Suffolk County, NY Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- County-owned facilities only
- Max color temperature
- 2200 Kelvin (after 7/27/2022)
- Shielding standard
- All light projected below horizontal
- Adopted
- 2004, L.L. 26-2004
- Exemptions
- Historic fixtures, safety findings
Summary
Suffolk County requires all new or replacement outdoor light fixtures on County-owned buildings, parking lots and docks to be fully shielded, directing light downward, and to use bulbs with a correlated color temperature no higher than 2200 Kelvin under Chapter 149 of the County Code.
When purchasing new or replacement lighting, all County departments shall include a specification in a solicitation for the purchase of any permanent outdoor luminaire that requires the provider to offer for sale to the County of Suffolk only luminaires that 1) are fully shielded and 2) use lamps with a correlated color temperature no higher than 3500 Kelvin for all lamps purchased through December 31, 2015, with all lamps purchased on or before July 27, 2022, having a correlated color temperature no higher than 3000, and any lamp purchased subsequently having a correlated color temperature no higher than 2200 Kelvin. All outdoor luminaires in all County facilities shall be replaced in accordance with this section. All new outdoor luminaires shall be installed in accordance with this section.
B. Any replacement lamps for luminaires purchased by a County department pursuant to Subsection A of this section shall have a correlated color temperature no higher than 3500 Kelvin for replacement lamps purchased on or before December 31, 2015, with any subsequent replacement lamp purchased on or before July 27, 2022, having a correlated color temperature no higher than 3000, and any lamp purchased thereafter having a correlated color temperature no higher than 2200 Kelvin.
Full Breakdown
Adopted in 2004 as Local Law 26-2004 and tightened in 2013 and 2022, Chapter 149 (Light Pollution) defines a 'fully shielded luminaire' as one where all light emitted, directly or by reflection, is projected below the horizontal. It binds only the County's own agencies, buildings, parking lots, docks and other County infrastructure, not private homes or businesses. Purchasing specifications must require fully shielded fixtures, with any lamp bought after July 27, 2022 capped at a 2200 Kelvin color temperature. Historic or decorative fixtures, sports facilities, airports and situations needing a written safety finding from the Commissioner of Public Works are exempted.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 149 carries no fine or penalty clause; it constrains County purchasing decisions directly. Any exemption from the shielding or color-temperature rule requires a written determination from the Commissioner of Public Works, filed with the County Executive and the Clerk of the Legislature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to my house or business?
What counts as a 'fully shielded luminaire'?
Can the County ever install unshielded lights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Suffolk County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Suffolk County to another location·View the New York outdoor lighting overview
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