Bloomfield, NJ Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 345-4, Chapter 345 Light Pollution
- Illumination cap at property line
- 0.5 footcandle in a vertical plane
- Source visibility
- Not visible at the boundary at three feet or higher
- Residential security lighting
- Motion-sensor activation required
- Sports field trespass limit
- 0.1 footcandle at adjacent residential line (§ 315-30)
- Penalty
- Up to $2,000 fine under § 1-15
Summary
Bloomfield Township, New Jersey, limits light trespass in § 345-4. Illumination at the property line cannot exceed 0.5 footcandle in a vertical plane, and the light source cannot be visible at the property boundary at a height of three feet or greater. Lighting is not permitted to project off the property.
A. All lighting shall be designed and installed in a manner which shall result in the direct or diffused source of illumination not being visible at any point on the property boundary at a height of three feet or anything greater. This can be accomplished by shielding, placement type and style of fixtures and other means which are technically feasible. B. Lighting shall not project off the property. At the property line, illumination from light fixtures shall not exceed 0.5 footcandle in a vertical plane. C. All outdoor light fixtures shall be designed, installed and maintained so that there will not be objectionable direct light emissions.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 345, Light Pollution, was adopted by the Bloomfield Council on 10-1-2001 by Ord. No. 01-30. Section 345-1 states its purpose: to preserve and protect against light pollution and unnecessary sky glow, discourage the waste of electricity and maintain nighttime safety, utility and security throughout the residential communities within the Township of Bloomfield.
The light trespass rule is § 345-4. Under subsection A, all lighting must be designed and installed so that the direct or diffused source of illumination is not visible at any point on the property boundary at a height of three feet or anything greater, and the section lists shielding, placement, type and style of fixtures as ways to get there. Subsection B states that lighting shall not project off the property and caps illumination from light fixtures at 0.5 footcandle in a vertical plane at the property line. Subsection C requires all outdoor light fixtures to be designed, installed and maintained so that there will not be objectionable direct light emissions.
Related rules sit nearby. Section 345-3, amended 3-30-2020 by Ord. No. 20-18, requires outdoor security lighting in residential areas to be activated by motion-sensor devices; the chapter defines residential to include all residential zones and development and any mixture of residential and commercial establishments. Section 345-5 prohibits exterior light globes, unshielded sources, upward pointed light sources, mercury vapor lights, off-site lighting, laser source lights, searchlights, arc lights, and pulsed or flashing lights.
Other parts of the Township Code set tighter numbers for particular uses. The design standards in § 315-30 limit trespass lighting from sports and recreational facilities to not more than 0.1 footcandle at any adjacent residential property line at grade, and § 315-42A(9)(b)[1] requires externally illuminated signs to have shielded light sources so light is not directed to the street or adjoining property.
Violations & Fines
Section 345-6 provides that any person violating a provision of Chapter 345 is subject, upon conviction, to the general penalty in § 1-15. That section sets a fine not exceeding $2,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days or community service not exceeding 90 days, or any combination of those. Cases are heard in municipal court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light can spill onto my neighbor's property in Bloomfield Township?
Can my neighbor see the bulb of my floodlight from their yard?
Do I have to use motion sensors on security lights?
What kinds of outdoor lights are banned outright?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomfield
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