Long Branch, NJ Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

City of Long Branch Code § 213-5, Prohibited lighting, part of Chapter 213 adopted by Ordinance No. 20-23 on July 26, 2023, flatly prohibits several categories of outdoor fixtures: unshielded light sources, upward-pointed light sources, mercury vapor lights, off-site lighting, laser source lights, searchlights, arc lights, and pulsed or flashing lights. This sits alongside § 213-1's stated purpose, to preserve and protect against light pollution and unnecessary sky glow while discouraging wasted electricity and maintaining nighttime safety, utility and security in the city's residential communities.

The prohibition applies on top of § 213-4's separate footcandle and shielding standards and § 213-3's requirement that residential security lighting run on motion sensors rather than staying on continuously. Because § 213-5 is written as an outright list of banned fixture types rather than a permit or variance process, there is no administrative route in the chapter to seek approval for an upward-pointed floodlight, a mercury vapor fixture or a laser display; the fixture type itself is unlawful in the city regardless of intensity or shielding.

Property owners replacing exterior lighting should confirm new fixtures are full-cutoff, downward-directed and free of pulsing or strobing effects to avoid falling into a banned category.