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Norfolk County, MA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County Rule?
None: municipal bylaw
State Enabling
MGL c. 40 §21
Dark-Sky Towns
Dover, Sherborn, Medfield, Walpole
Fixtures
Fully shielded required

Summary

Norfolk County does not regulate outdoor lighting. Several towns (Dover, Sherborn, Medfield) have dark-sky bylaws. State-level, MGL c. 40 §21 enables local light pollution control.

City-specific rules exist: Quincy has its own dark sky rules rules that differ from Norfolk County's county-level regulations. If you live in Quincy, check the city-specific page instead.

Section 21. Towns may, for the purposes hereinafter named, make such ordinances and by-laws, not repugnant to law, as they may judge most conducive to their welfare, which shall be binding upon all inhabitants thereof and all persons within their limits. They may, except as herein provided, affix penalties for breaches thereof not exceeding three hundred dollars for each offense [...] (1) For directing and managing their prudential affairs, preserving peace and good order, and maintaining their internal police. [...] (22) For controlling and abating noise from whatever source, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to restrict or limit the use of automobile horns and the operation of motor vehicles in such a manner as to cause excessive noise.

Source: M.G.L. c. 40 §21 (Municipal Bylaws)View official code

Full Breakdown

Outdoor lighting regulation in Norfolk County is municipal. MA has no statewide dark-sky law; MGL c. 40 §21 enables towns to regulate. Brookline has a commercial lighting bylaw. Most urban Norfolk County towns (Quincy, Weymouth) rely on zoning bylaw and general nuisance authority. The IESNA RP-33 Lighting for Exterior Environments is commonly referenced. State building code 780 CMR Chapter 11 addresses lighting energy standards. Several towns are IDA-recognized dark-sky communities.

Violations & Fines

No county enforcement. Municipal non-compliant fixtures: 30-day notice to correct, $100-$500 fines thereafter. Commercial violations: permit revocation possible. Repeat: escalating daily fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are typical penalties for violating dark sky rules rules?
Most Norfolk County outdoor lighting violations start with a written warning followed by escalating civil fines for repeat offenses. Specific dollar amounts and any criminal-misdemeanor exposure depend on the section of code; consult Norfolk County's municipal code or staff for the current penalty schedule.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Norfolk County

All Norfolk County rules

Compare Norfolk County to another location·View the Massachusetts outdoor lighting overview

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Dark Sky Rules in Cities Across Norfolk County