Cambridge Zoning Ordinance requires outdoor lighting to be shielded and directed downward to minimize glare and light trespass, supporting Net Zero and energy efficiency goals.
The Cambridge Zoning Ordinance includes outdoor lighting standards requiring full-cutoff fixtures that shield the light source and direct illumination downward. This reduces sky glow, light trespass onto neighbors, and wildlife impacts. Commercial parking lots have maximum illuminance limits at property lines, typically 0.1 foot-candles in residential and 1.0 foot-candle at commercial boundaries. Floodlights used for decorative purposes on residential properties must not create glare onto streets or adjacent homes. Sign lighting is regulated separately by the sign code. The Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan promotes LED conversion, and the city has replaced nearly all municipal streetlights with shielded LED fixtures. Residents troubled by neighbor glare can file complaints with Inspectional Services.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge enforces numerical decibel limits: 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night at residential receptors, with a 5 dBA penalty for tonal or impulsive sounds.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge treats persistent barking as a noise violation under Chapter 8.16 and an animal nuisance under Chapter 6.04; owners of chronically barking dogs fac...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge banned gas-powered leaf blowers in 2024, requiring all landscapers and residents to switch to electric models, with time and decibel restrictions r...
Cambridge, MA
Outdoor music events in Cambridge require a one-day entertainment license from the License Commission, with end times typically capped at 10 PM on weeknights...
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge enforces strict industrial and commercial noise limits: 60 dB days and 50 dB nights at residential property lines, aligned with MassDEP Policy 90-001.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge reserves designated EV charging station spaces for actively charging electric vehicles only, and new large developments must provide EV-ready parki...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle dark sky rules.
See how Cambridge's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.