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Quincy, MA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Applies in
Residence districts only
Required light type
Continuous, indirect, shielded
Banned fixture type
Neon / gas-tube lighting
Governing section
Zoning § 5.4.1

Summary

In Quincy's residence districts, permanent outdoor lighting must be continuous, indirect and shielded so no direct light spills onto streets or neighboring property, and neon or exposed gas-tube fixtures are banned.

Lighting. In a residence district, no outdoor decorative or floodlighting shall be permitted except lighting primarily designed to illuminate walks, driveway, parking areas, doorways, outdoor living areas or outdoor recreational facilities, and except temporary holiday lighting, except decorative floodlighting of institutional, public or historic buildings. Any such permanent lighting shall be continuous indirect light installed in such a manner that will prevent direct light from shining onto any street or adjacent property. No neon type or exposed illuminated gas tube type light shall be allowed.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4608810; v7 updated 2025-10-06; through 10-06-2025).

Full Breakdown

Quincy, Massachusetts's Zoning Ordinance restricts outdoor lighting in residence districts: floodlighting and decorative lighting are barred except for lighting walks, driveways, parking areas, doorways, outdoor living or recreation areas, temporary holiday lighting, or decorative floodlighting of institutional, public or historic buildings. Any permanent lighting that is allowed must be continuous indirect light installed so it prevents direct light from shining onto a street or adjacent property, and neon or exposed illuminated gas-tube lighting is not permitted at all. The rule sits in Section 5.4.1 of Chapter 375 and applies in Quincy, Norfolk County, not Boston or Braintree.

Violations & Fines

Installing floodlighting that spills onto a street or neighbor's yard, or using neon or exposed gas-tube fixtures, violates Section 5.4.1 and can draw a code enforcement order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Quincy require outdoor lights to be shielded?
In residence districts, yes: permanent lighting must be continuous indirect light that doesn't shine directly onto a street or adjacent property, per Zoning Ordinance § 5.4.1.
Are neon outdoor lights allowed in Quincy?
No. Section 5.4.1 bans neon-type or exposed illuminated gas-tube lighting outright in residence districts.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Quincy

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsLight Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Quincy rules

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