Dark Sky Rules: Paramus vs Teaneck
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Paramus, NJ and Teaneck, NJ?
Teaneck has fewer restrictions than Paramus.
Paramus, NJ
Bergen County
Paramus site plan rules require fully shielded luminaires with recessed lamps and demand that commercial lighting be reduced by half after business hours.
View full Paramus rules →Teaneck, NJ
Bergen County
Teaneck regulates outdoor lighting through zoning standards that limit fixture height, glare, and spill onto adjacent residential properties.
View full Teaneck rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Paramus | Teaneck |
|---|---|---|
| Shielding | Required on all luminaires | - |
| Lamp placement | Recessed in luminaire | - |
| After-hours reduction | At least 50% off | - |
| Security level | About 0.4 footcandles | - |
| Full cutoff | - | Required commercial |
| Pole height | - | Generally 25 feet |
| Photometric plan | - | Required new sites |
| Skyglow control | - | Yes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Paramus FAQ
Do Paramus rules require shielded outdoor lighting?
Yes. Site plan standards require all luminaires to be shielded so glare does not spill onto neighboring properties or public streets, and lamps must be recessed.
Must commercial parking lots dim lights overnight?
Yes. Circuits must be arranged so at least half of the alternating luminaires shut off after business hours, leaving only security-level lighting active.
Teaneck FAQ
Does Teaneck have an official dark sky ordinance?
Teaneck does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance, but its zoning standards require shielded, full-cutoff fixtures and limit glare and uplight from commercial sites.
Are residential floodlights regulated?
Residential floodlights must not be aimed at neighboring properties or streets in a way that creates a nuisance, and complaints are handled by zoning and code enforcement.
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