Wayne, NJ Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Section 134-77 governs exterior lighting in Wayne Township for both nonresidential and residential developments, and it starts with the site plan application itself. Every applicant must include a proposed exterior lighting plan showing the type, location, intensity in lumens per square foot at ground level, effective radius and the manufacturer's specifications for all light sources.

The shielding rule is subsection D. All lights must be shielded to restrict the maximum apex angle of the cone of illumination to 150 degrees, or to whatever lesser angle is required to shield the lights from the view of any adjacent residential properties. The second clause is the one that counts next to a house, because 150 degrees is only the ceiling and a tighter cutoff can be required. Spotlight-type fixtures attached to buildings are prohibited outright, so a wall-mounted floodlight cannot be shown on an approved plan.

Height and placement are controlled as well. Under subsection B, freestanding lights must be located and protected so vehicles cannot easily damage them, and the height of such lights cannot exceed 25 feet. Where appropriate, pathways, sidewalks and trails are lighted with bollard lights. Subsection C requires the style of the light and light standard to be compatible with the architectural style of the principal building. Subsection A lists the places that require illumination, including driveways, parking areas, intersections, stairways, sidewalks, pedestrian pathways and building entrances and exits. Subsection G limits residential zones to lighting provided only where site specific safety conditions warrant, and any street lighting location there is subject to the review of the Board.

The section carries the history note Amended 2-15-2012 by Ord. No. 6-2012 and sits in Chapter 134, Land Development, of the Code of the Township of Wayne. The intensity limits in subsection E, covered on the light trespass page, work alongside the shielding rule.