Pawtucket, RI Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted
- Dec. 21, 2017, Ch. No. 3149
- Applies to
- All property, public and private, citywide
- Correction window
- 20 days after notice of noncompliance
- First fine
- $50
- Second/third fine
- $100 then $250
- Enforced by
- Police Dept. and Zoning Dept.
Summary
Pawtucket's Exterior Lighting ordinance, Chapter 200, requires every fixture on any building, parking area or lot to be arranged so it does not throw light onto a neighboring street or residential parcel. The Police Department and Zoning Department enforce it, and unresolved violations escalate through three rising fines.
Any exterior lighting fixture used to illuminate any building, structure, improvement, parking area, or parcel of land shall be so arranged as not to direct light onto any adjacent street or parcel used for residential purposes. ... No exterior lighting fixture shall be used unless reflectors and/or lenses are fitted to concentrate illumination upon the desired area and shield adjacent streets or parcels used for residential purposes from direct glare as to minimize impact.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 200, adopted December 21, 2017 by Council Ordinance No. 3149, applies to all public and private exterior lighting citywide (§ 200-1). Its stated purpose is protecting residents from artificial light that adversely impacts residential properties (§ 200-2). Section 200-3 imposes four operative rules: fixtures illuminating a building, structure, parking area or parcel must be arranged so they do not direct light onto an adjacent street or residential parcel; fixtures must use reflectors or lenses that concentrate illumination on the intended area and shield adjacent residential streets and parcels from direct glare; lighting for outdoor activity, driveway or parking areas must be arranged and shaded to reflect away from adjacent residential streets and parcels; and temporary lighting for utility work, emergency services or hazard warning is exempt. The Pawtucket Police Department and the Pawtucket Zoning Department share enforcement authority (§ 200-4), and a written notice of noncompliance goes to the property owner of record.
Violations & Fines
A property owner who receives a written notice of noncompliance has 20 days to correct the condition (§ 200-5). Missing that window triggers a $50 fine. A second violation of the chapter draws a $100 fine, and a third or subsequent violation draws $250. Temporary lighting tied to utility repairs, emergency response or hazard warning is exempt from the whole chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pawtucket require shielded outdoor lighting?
What can I do if a neighbor's light shines into my yard?
Is temporary construction or emergency lighting exempt?
What happens after repeat violations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pawtucket
Compare Pawtucket to another location·View the Rhode Island outdoor lighting overview
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dark sky rules.