NYC has NO dark-sky ordinance — Brooklyn lighting is regulated only by general nuisance and limited light-trespass rules under the NYC Building Code.
Unlike many suburban and rural jurisdictions, NYC — including Brooklyn — has not adopted a dark-sky lighting ordinance. There are no general restrictions on color temperature, fixture shielding, lumen caps, or curfew hours for outdoor lighting on private residential property. The NYC Energy Conservation Code regulates commercial exterior lighting efficiency but not spillover onto neighbors. Environmental Conservation Law §71 addresses glare on state roads but does not cover private-to-private trespass. Tenants and neighbors experiencing excessive light trespass generally must pursue common-law nuisance remedies in civil court. Recent Local Law 97 carbon rules affect commercial lighting load but not homeowner exterior lighting. The NYC Audubon Society's "Lights Out NYC" program is voluntary.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Kings County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Kings County, NY
NYC strictly regulates commercial vehicle parking. Commercial vehicles may park at meters for up to 3 hours and are banned from residential areas overnight (...
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn pools must be enclosed by a self-closing, self-latching barrier at least 4 feet high per NYC Building Code and Health Code §165.57.
Kings County, NY
Feeding pigeons, squirrels, raccoons, or other wildlife that creates unsanitary conditions is prohibited in Brooklyn under NYC Health Code §153.09.
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn residents may keep backyard hens, but roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigs, goats, and sheep are prohibited under NYC Health Code §161.01.
Kings County, NY
NYC Health Code §161.01 prohibits most wild, exotic, and farm animals. Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, pot-bellied pigs, venomous snakes, large reptiles, ...
Kings County, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City under New York Penal Law §270.00. This includes sparklers longer than 10 inches, firecrackers, Roman cand...
See how Kings County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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