Outdoor Lighting in Union County, NJ (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Union County, New Jersey.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Union County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Dark Sky Rules

Union County municipalities regulate outdoor lighting through zoning and building codes. Elizabeth Chapter 20.84 requires full cutoff fixtures for commercial lighting. Westfield §13.03M limits residential fixture lumens and requires shielding. Summit and Cranford enforce similar limits. Light trespass onto neighbors prohibited. EWR airport-area lighting coordinated with FAA Part 77. No formal Dark Sky designation in Union County due to urban density, but International Dark-Sky Association principles inform municipal codes. LED color temperature 3000K or below encouraged.

outdoor-lighting/dark-sky-rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass

Union County municipalities (Elizabeth, Plainfield, Union Township) prohibit outdoor lighting that causes glare or illumination on neighboring properties. Elizabeth Code Ch. 5.1 Zoning requires shielded fixtures in residential zones.

outdoor-lighting/light-trespass

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Union County ordinances

See every category we cover for Union County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Union County Ordinance Hub →