Bristol, PA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Section 27-511 of the Bristol Borough Code opens by requiring outdoor lighting for all residential and nonresidential uses to be designed to minimize undesirable off-premises effects. The shielding rule is subsection 1D: all lights shall have a full cutoff fixture, defined as a light fixture with a light distribution pattern that results in no light being projected at or above a horizontal plane located at the bottom of the fixture. The Code says this applies to pole-mounted lights, building-mounted lights, sign lights, walkway lights and any other type of illumination, so a decorative wall lantern in Bristol Borough is held to the same standard as a parking lot pole.

The same subsection adds that no light shall shine directly into windows, onto streets or onto driveways off premises. The one carve-out is holiday lights that are temporarily displayed during holiday seasons. Subsection 1B separately declares that overhead light pollution caused by unshielded or bright lights shall not be permitted, and that no bare or direct light source can be visible beyond the lot lines.

Subsection 2C sets a mounting rule for free-standing fixtures: they are mounted on a pole with a maximum height of 15 feet and directed downward. Where multiple fixtures are needed, Borough Council can require various fixture types and varying heights to create scale and a diverse village appearance. Subsection 2A requires lighting plans on development and building plans, showing pole-mounted, building, sign, canopy, sidewalk and driveway lights in enough detail to judge effects on adjacent properties, traffic safety and overhead sky glow.

Other subsections tighten the picture. Exterior lighting, or interior lighting visible to the outside, cannot be used as an attention-getting device or as additional signage (1C), and exterior lighting cannot outline a building or run along the roofline (1E). Illuminated signs under § 27-607 must use direct lighting that is shielded so no direct light shines on abutting properties or in the normal line of vision of the public using the streets. Subsection 2D calls for high intensity discharge sources unless stated otherwise or required by Council, with average minimum maintained levels no less than 1.00 footcandle and no more than 3.00 footcandles.