Ridgewood Chapter 194 governs outdoor lighting, capping exposed light sources at one lumen per square foot and barring fixtures that create nuisance across property lines.
Chapter 194 of the Ridgewood Code regulates outdoor lighting throughout the Village. In residential districts, no artificial light source may be constructed or used in a way that creates a nuisance across property lot lines. Exposed light sources may not exceed one lumen per square foot, a standard intended to limit glare and reduce light pollution consistent with dark-sky principles. When lighting is used at night, fixtures must be aimed and shielded so that light is not cast directly onto neighboring dwellings. Article XI of the zoning code includes related environmental requirements addressing exterior illumination on developed sites.
Lighting that exceeds the lumen cap, lacks proper shielding, or spills into adjoining property is subject to abatement orders, daily fines, and potential certificate of occupancy issues.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle dark sky rules.
See how Ridgewood's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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