Babylon, NY Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Full cutoff threshold
- 1,800 lumens (100W) and up
- Dimmer fixtures
- Must be fully shielded
- Max mounting height
- 20 feet
- Wall packs/floodlights
- Unshielded units banned
Summary
Town of Babylon zoning requires full cutoff luminaires for exterior lights of 1,800 lumens or more, and fully shielded fixtures for anything dimmer, so light is aimed down instead of washing out the night sky.
All exterior lighting rated to be lamped at 1,800 lumens (100 watts incandescent) and greater shall use full cutoff luminaires, as determined by photometry test or certified by the manufacturer, and installed as designed with the light source directed downward. All exterior lighting 1,800 lumens (100 watts incandescent) and less shall use fully shielded fixtures and shall be installed as designed.
E. Illumination levels and prohibited effects for residential and nonresidential exterior lighting.
(1) All residential and nonresidential exterior lighting shall not cause light trespass and shall protect adjacent properties from glare and excessive lighting.
(2) All lighting in the Town of Babylon shall not exceed recommended light levels as listed in Table of Illumination Limits, Table 3.[3] [3] Editor's Note: Table 3 is available in the Town offices.
F. Illuminance and type of lamp for all nonresidential exterior lighting.
(1) Permissible luminaire location and effects.
(a) No luminaire shall be located or concentrated so as to produce glare or direct illumination across the boundary property line, nor shall any such light be of such intensity as to create a nuisance or detract from the use and enjoyment of adjacent property. See Table 1 and Table 2 for setback, height, and maximum light output recommendations for guidance.[4] [4] Editor's Note: Tables 1 and 2 are available in the Town offices.
(b)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4941158; v66 updated 2026-05-13; through 05-13-2026).
Full Breakdown
Town of Babylon Code § 213-245 was adopted in part to protect "the ability to view the night sky" alongside public safety. Its technical standard, § 213-245D(2), requires that any exterior luminaire rated at 1,800 lumens (100-watt incandescent equivalent) or brighter use a full cutoff fixture, installed with the light source aimed downward and verified by photometry testing or manufacturer certification. Dimmer fixtures must still be fully shielded. Luminaires also can't exceed 20 feet in mounting height, and unshielded wall packs and floodlights are banned outright. Preexisting nonconforming fixtures must be brought into compliance whenever they're replaced, altered, or repaired.
Violations & Fines
Residential lighting violations carry fines up to $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second, or a misdemeanor with up to $1,000 and 30 days for repeat offenses; nonresidential violations run up to $500, $1,000, and $3,000 respectively (§ 213-245L).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Town of Babylon require dark-sky-friendly outdoor lighting?
Are floodlights allowed on a house in the Town of Babylon?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Babylon
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