Howell, NJ Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Section 188-22 of the Howell Township Code covers area lighting under the land use standards of performance. All area lighting must provide lights focused downward, translucent fixtures and shielding, or other orientation and shielding that prevents light spillage off the site. At ground level the light intensity must be a minimum of 0.3 footcandle anywhere and average a maximum of 0.5 footcandle over the entire area. For each fixture and lighted sign, the quantity of light radiated above a horizontal plane through the light source cannot exceed 7 1/2% of the total light emitted.

Any outdoor lighting must be shown on the site plan in enough detail to determine its effects at the property line and on nearby streets, driveways, residents and overhead sky glow, and the stated objective is to minimize undesirable off-site effects. The trespass sentence is direct: no light shall shine directly into windows or on streets and driveways in a manner that creates a nuisance or interferes with or distracts driver vision. The intensity of the source, the shielding and similar characteristics are subject to site plan approval.

Section 188-18, Glare, adds that no use shall direct or reflect a steady or flashing light beyond its lot lines, and that exterior lighting must be shielded, buffered and directed as approved on the site plan so glare, direct light or reflection does not interfere with the normal use of nearby properties, dwelling units and streets. Pool cabanas under § 188-11(D)(10) must shield all lighting sufficiently to prevent light spillage and glare on neighboring properties.