Bristol County municipalities regulate outdoor lighting through local zoning to reduce light pollution. Fully shielded fixtures are standard for new commercial development. Residential rules vary by town.
Bristol County cities and towns regulate outdoor lighting through zoning bylaws and site plan review. New commercial and multi-family lighting typically must use fully shielded (full-cutoff) fixtures directing light downward. Parking lot standards commonly cap pole heights at 20 to 30 feet and require light trespass limits at property lines. Residential outdoor lighting faces less prescriptive rules but must comply with nuisance bylaws. Coastal Dartmouth and Westport have adopted darker-sky provisions to protect shoreline wildlife including sea turtle habitat at Horseneck Beach. LED color temperature guidelines (3000K or below) are increasingly adopted. Motion sensors are encouraged for security lighting. Existing non-conforming fixtures are often grandfathered unless replaced. Commercial signage lighting has specific rules.
Non-compliant fixtures: notice to correct within 30 days. Failure to comply: $100 to $500 per violation. Commercial violations may trigger site plan review revocation. Repeat offenders: daily fines.
Bristol County, MA
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Bristol County, MA
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Bristol County, MA
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Bristol County, MA
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Bristol County, MA
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Bristol County, MA
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