Ridgefield, CT Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Fixture type
- Full cut-off, IESNA cut-off, or fully shielded
- Aiming
- Top-downward only, never upward/sideways
- Prohibited source
- High pressure sodium
- Max fixture height
- 14 ft (24 ft with Special Permit)
- Control required
- Photocell-on, time clock-off
- Exempt
- Single-family dwellings
Summary
Ridgefield's Exterior Lighting standards require vehicular and pedestrian area fixtures to be full cut-off, IESNA cut-off, or fully shielded/recessed, aimed top-downward rather than up or sideways, under Zoning Regulations § 7.8.C. High pressure sodium light sources are outright prohibited, and non-essential lighting must run on photocell-on, time-clock-off controls.
b. lighting fixtures for all vehicular areas and pedestrian areas shall be full cut-off type fixtures or IESNA cut-off fixtures as approved by the Commission, or shall be fully shielded/recessed fixtures where the lens is recessed or flush with the bottom surface. ... 3. Lighting fixtures for building security or aesthetics and any display purposes shall, unless otherwise approved by the Commission or these regulations, be: a. top downward (not upward or sideways), and b. full cut off, or IESNA cut-off fixtures as approved by the Commission, or fully shielded/recessed. ... 10. High pressure sodium light sources are prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
A. B. b requires vehicular and pedestrian area fixtures to be full cut-off type, IESNA cut-off fixtures approved by the Commission, or fully shielded/recessed fixtures with the lens flush to the bottom surface. 3. 8. 10 flatly bans high pressure sodium light sources. D, and the Commission may allow a Special Permit exception if it finds the proposal consistent with the regulations' intent.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant fixtures are caught at site plan or special permit review: the Planning Director may refer any lighting plan to the Commission for a determination under § 7.8.E.1, and any fixture over 14 feet needs plans from a professional lighting designer or electrical engineer under § 7.8.E.3. Beyond that, general zoning enforcement under § 9.4 applies, including a 10-day correction notice, per-day fines under Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 124, and appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ridgefield's dark-sky lighting rules apply to a single-family home?
Can a business use high pressure sodium lights in Ridgefield?
How tall can a parking lot light pole be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ridgefield
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