Stratford, CT Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Section 6.7.5 sets the lighting standards, and Section 6.7.1 says what they are for: reducing glare, avoiding light trespass onto adjacent properties and public streets, reducing light pollution and avoiding sky glow caused by upward illumination. The shielding rules are specific. Under 6.7.5(A)(2), a mounted outdoor fixture must emit its light exclusively downward. Under 6.7.5(A)(3), fixtures for building security or any display purpose must be top downward, not upward or sideways, and either full cut off or fully recessed (flush mounted). Section 6.7.4 defines a full cutoff light as a fixture that is fully shielded or emitting no light above the lowest light-emitting horizontal plane of the fixture.

Sign lighting has its own rule in 6.7.5(D)(2). New or replacement sign lighting uses fixtures positioned above the sign and pointed downwards, and uplighting of signs and internally illuminated exterior signs are prohibited. The rule covers freestanding signs and signs attached to a building, but not temporary signs of 30 days or less.

Brightness is capped in 6.7.5(B): at its brightest level, as shown on the manufacturer's specification sheet, no outdoor light shall exceed the illumination level in the Recommended Practices of the Illuminating Engineering Society.

Scope matters. Section 6.7.2 applies the standards to the installation or replacement of outdoor lighting fixtures at commercial, industrial, and residential properties with more than three units, so a single-family house with one unit sits outside it. Section 6.7.3 also exempts critical lighting used by police, fire, or emergency services, historical statues and monuments, traditional, temporary seasonal or holiday lighting (November through January), and short-term lighting authorized by a special event approval.