New Haven, CT Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 60.1
- Color temp cap
- 3000 Kelvins maximum
- Height cap
- 20 feet without review
- Direction rule
- light must aim downward
Summary
New Haven's exterior lighting rule requires all outdoor light sources to aim downward, caps color temperature at 3000 Kelvins, and limits height to 20 feet to cut light pollution and glare.
(d)Design Standards. All Exterior Lighting must be designed, located, installed, and directed in the following manner unless otherwise exempt or prohibited:(1)In general, all exterior light sources must be directed downward. The lighting must also be, as much as physically possible, contained within the target area. ... b.Color. Because blue light brightens the night sky more than any other color of light, lighting must have a color temperature of no more than 3000 Kelvins. Exterior Lighting that has warmer light spectrums are preferred.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 32).
Full Breakdown
New Haven Zoning Ordinance Section 60.1 requires new and renovated exterior lighting to be designed and aimed to reduce Light Pollution, Light Trespass, and Glare. Light sources must generally point downward and stay within the target area, fixtures may not exceed 20 feet in height without site plan review, and because blue-toned light brightens the night sky more than other colors, fixtures are capped at a 3000 Kelvin color temperature, with warmer spectrums preferred. A Lighting Plan showing fixture type, height, and photometrics is required with most zoning applications.
Violations & Fines
Installing exterior lighting that exceeds 3000K color temperature, is aimed upward without shielding, or exceeds the 20-foot height cap without site plan review violates Section 60.1 and can hold up a zoning approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How warm must outdoor light be in New Haven?
Is there a height limit on outdoor light fixtures?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Haven
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