Toms River, NJ Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Illumination cap
- 0.5 footcandle at property line
- Spotlight beams
- Must stay on-site
- Enforced by
- Planning Board on approvals
- First-offense fine
- $100, then $200 repeat
Summary
A Township zoning performance standard caps outdoor artificial lighting on any use or structure at 0.5 footcandle measured at the property line and requires spotlight beams to stay fully on the lot, enforced by the Planning Board on development approvals.
The illumination provided by artificial lighting on the property shall not exceed 0.5 footcandle beyond any property line. Spotlights or other types of artificial lighting that provides a concentrated beam of light shall be so directed that the beam of light does not extend beyond any property lines.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4954830; v33 updated 2026-04-22; through 04-22-2026).
Full Breakdown
§ 348-5.31(L), "Lighting and illumination," is a Land Use Chapter performance standard: artificial lighting measured at any property line cannot exceed 0.5 footcandle, and spotlights or other concentrated-beam fixtures must be aimed so their beam stays within the lot. Lighting used on signs or building faces cannot cross the building's vertical plane or reflect onto an adjoining property, street or vehicle area. The Planning Board applies this as a condition of site plan and subdivision approval and can require certified lighting tests before issuing a certificate of occupancy.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance carries a minimum $100 fine for a first offense and $200 for each later offense, up to the maximum under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5, with every day of violation counted separately under § 348-3.11.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Toms River
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dark sky rules.