Hamilton, NJ Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Hamilton Code § 550-115.B
- Minimum ground lighting
- 0.5 footcandle, avg 1.0 footcandle
- Max fixture height
- 25 feet or building height
- Fixture type required
- nonglare, color-corrected, focused downward
- Plan must address
- overhead sky glow, adjacent effects
- Last amended
- 2014, Ord. No. 14-064
- Penalty
- $100-$2,000 fine, § 550-284
Summary
Hamilton Code § 550-115.B requires nonglare, color-corrected lighting focused downward for parking areas, walkways and other commercial or multifamily site lighting, with fixtures capped at 25 feet or the building height, whichever is less. Any other exterior lighting must be detailed on the site plan so the Township can judge its effect on neighboring properties and 'overhead sky glow.'
The lighting plan in and around the parking areas shall provide for nonglare color-corrected lights focused downward. The light intensity provided at ground level shall be a minimum of 0.5 footcandle anywhere in the area to be illuminated, shall average a minimum of 1.0 footcandle over the entire area, and shall be provided by fixtures with a mounting height not more than 25 feet or the height of the building, whichever is less, measured from the ground level to the center line of the light source. Any other outdoor lighting, such as building and sidewalk illumination, driveways with no adjacent parking, the lighting of signs and ornamental lighting, shall be shown on the lighting plan in sufficient detail to allow determination of the effects to adjacent properties, traffic safety and overhead sky glow. The objective of these specifications is to minimize undesirable off-premises effects.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4984352; v35 updated 2026-06-16; through 06-16-2026).
Full Breakdown
B governs lighting for parking areas, walkways, driveways and passageways serving commercial, office, industrial, apartment or other uses with common off-street parking or loading. 0 footcandle overall, from fixtures mounted no higher than 25 feet or the building height, whichever is less. ' The subsection was last amended in 2014 (Ord. No. 14-064). Site plan approval is the enforcement gateway: the Board reviews fixture intensity, shielding and similar characteristics before signing off, and can condition approval on redesigned fixtures if the plan shows unacceptable sky glow or spillover. A, which puts utility-supplied streetlights under the Director of Public Works and requires underground service wherever electric utilities are undergrounded.
Violations & Fines
A site plan that fails to control glare or sky glow under § 550-115.B can be denied or conditioned by the reviewing Board, and lighting installed contrary to an approved plan is a Chapter 550 violation subject to the Township's general zoning penalty in § 550-284: a fine of $100 to $2,000, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or both, with each day of noncompliant lighting a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hamilton require shielded outdoor lighting fixtures?
How tall can a Hamilton parking lot light pole be?
What is the minimum parking lot lighting level in Hamilton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hamilton
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