Amherst, NY Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Section 7-3 of the Zoning Ordinance governs site lighting for nonresidential and multifamily development. Section 7-3-3D requires that "Fixtures shall be mounted in such a manner that the cone of light is contained on-site and does not cross any property line of the site," and § 7-3-3A requires cutoff fixtures that direct light downward to minimize spillage onto adjacent properties and the night sky. 5 on adjacent commercial sites and public rights-of-way, and § 7-3-4E adds that no direct light source may be visible at the property line at ground level or above.

Where the site abuts a residential use, § 7-3-5A tightens the rules further: all fixtures must be full cutoff, illumination at the right-of-way line facing a residential use may not exceed one footcandle, security wall packs must be full cutoff, and any fixture within 50 feet of a residential property line is capped at 15 feet in height. A site lighting plan meeting these standards must be submitted and approved by the Planning Director as part of site plan review before a nonresidential or multifamily project can be built.