Revere, MA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Loading-area rule
- Lights must reflect away from homes, streets
- Sign curfew
- No illumination past 11 p.m. near homes
- Telecom/wind lighting
- Banned unless FAA or FCC requires it
- No citywide standard
- No general footcandle or curfew rule
Summary
Revere has no single citywide dark-sky ordinance, but its zoning code requires lighting for loading docks to be aimed away from homes and streets, and repeats similar shielding rules use by use, for drive-in restaurants, illuminated signs, wind turbines and telecom towers, rather than one general lighting standard.
Lights used to illuminate loading areas shall be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining residential areas and away from all ways or streets.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4804778; v14 updated 2026-05-04).
Full Breakdown
170, in the loading-facilities article of the off-street parking and loading chapter, requires that lights used to illuminate loading areas be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining residential areas and away from all ways or streets. 110(E)(1)(d), a rule mirrored for small wind energy systems. Site plan review committee approval for larger commercial and multifamily projects also carries a general duty to provide adequate lighting and screening as required by the SPRC, letting the committee impose shielding case by case even where no specific numeric standard exists.
The upshot for a Revere property owner is that there is no blanket footcandle limit, fixture cutoff spec or curfew that applies to ordinary residential yard lighting, only the narrower duties tied to loading docks, drive-throughs, illuminated signs, and wireless or wind facilities.
Violations & Fines
Loading-area lighting that spills onto adjoining homes or streets violates Revere Municipal Code § 17.28.170 and is enforceable as a zoning violation under Section 17.04.030, voiding the certificate of occupancy for the property until the fixtures are re-aimed or shielded; the building inspector and the site plan review committee can also condition or revoke site plan approval for a commercial project whose lighting was represented differently during review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Revere have a dark-sky ordinance?
Is there a curfew on illuminated signs near my house?
Can a cell tower near me be lit up at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Revere
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dark sky rules.