No statewide dark-sky law, but Boston Zoning Code Article 80 design review requires full-cutoff exterior fixtures and a maximum 0.5 foot-candle spill at residential property lines. Chelsea Zoning §34-300 and Revere §17.16 adopt similar downlighting standards for commercial projects. Winthrop has no dark-sky ordinance but enforces the MassDEP nuisance rule for glare.
Outdoor lighting standards vary across Suffolk County. There is no state dark-sky law — MA does not have a counterpart to Arizona or Colorado dark-sky statutes. Boston enforces lighting rules through zoning and design review: Article 80 Large Project Review and Small Project Review require site lighting plans showing full-cutoff fixtures (IESNA BUG rating B2-U0-G2 or better), maximum 0.5 foot-candle at residential property lines, and maximum 1.0 foot-candle at commercial/industrial property lines. Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) design guidelines further recommend color temperature of 3000K or less and shielded fixtures to reduce urban sky glow and protect the harbor bird migration corridor. Chelsea Zoning §34-300 and site plan review standards require downlit fixtures in Business and Industrial districts. Revere Zoning §17.16.210 requires that parking lot lights not exceed 25 feet in height and be full cutoff. Winthrop lacks a specific dark-sky ordinance but addresses light through its nuisance bylaw and zoning site plan review §17.12. Enforcement focuses on new development; existing fixtures are generally grandfathered unless they cause documented light trespass. LED conversions by utilities (Eversource, National Grid) have transitioned Suffolk County streetlights to 3000K-4000K shielded fixtures.
Non-compliant fixtures on new development: denial of certificate of occupancy until corrected. Existing trespass: nuisance complaint to Inspectional Services, $100-$300 fines. Commercial violations: up to $300/day per MGL c. 40, §21D.
Suffolk County, MA
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See how Suffolk County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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