Babylon, NY Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 213-245B, G(1)
- Covers
- Glare, skyglow, trespass, energy waste
- Nonessential lighting curfew
- Off by 11 p.m.
- Metal halide over 3000K
- Prohibited
Summary
Town of Babylon zoning defines light pollution broadly as glare, skyglow, light trespass, and wasted energy, and requires every exterior fixture to be designed and aimed to prevent all of it.
LIGHT POLLUTION: Any adverse effect of man-made light, including but not limited to glare, light trespass, skyglow, visual clutter, wasted energy due to excessive or unnecessary lighting, or any man-made light that unnecessarily diminishes the ability to view the night sky or is disruptive to flora and fauna. ... All exterior lighting shall be designed, located, and lamped in order to prevent: Overlighting; Energy waste; Glare; Light trespass; Unnecessary skyglow...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4941158; v66 updated 2026-05-13; through 05-13-2026).
Full Breakdown
Town of Babylon Code § 213-245B defines "light pollution" as any adverse effect of man-made light, including glare, light trespass, skyglow, visual clutter, and wasted energy from excessive or unnecessary lighting, or any light that diminishes the ability to view the night sky or disrupts flora and fauna. Section 213-245G(1) converts that definition into an operating standard: all exterior lighting in the Town of Babylon must be designed, located, and lamped to prevent overlighting, energy waste, glare, light trespass, unnecessary skyglow, and interference with street traffic. Nonessential business lighting must also go dark within an hour of closing, no later than 11 p.m.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant fixtures draw a Building Inspector removal order; nonresidential violations carry fines up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and a misdemeanor with up to $3,000 and 30 days for repeat offenses under § 213-245L(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Town of Babylon consider "light pollution"?
Do Town of Babylon businesses have to turn off lights at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Babylon
New York rules heatmap·Compare Babylon to another location·View the New York outdoor lighting overview
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