Cambridge prohibits outdoor lighting that creates nuisance glare or spills onto neighbor property in excess of zoning limits, with enforcement through Inspectional Services and nuisance law.
Light trespass, or unwanted light crossing property lines, is regulated under Cambridge Zoning Ordinance lighting standards and general nuisance law. Lighting must be shielded so that direct illumination stays on the originating property. Measured illuminance at the property line must not exceed 0.1 foot-candles in residential areas. Lights aimed into neighbor windows, overly bright security lights, and unshielded commercial lighting are common violations. Cambridge residents affected can file a complaint with Inspectional Services via iReport/311. In persistent cases, private nuisance actions are available under Massachusetts common law. Holiday decorative lighting is generally tolerated if temporary and not excessive. Good practice: use motion sensors, timers, and warm-color LEDs under 3000K.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge enforces numerical decibel limits: 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night at residential receptors, with a 5 dBA penalty for tonal or impulsive sounds.
Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Cambridge, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle light trespass.
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