Hudson County municipalities (Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City) prohibit outdoor lighting that creates glare or illumination spillover onto neighboring properties. Jersey City zoning Ch. 345 requires shielded fixtures and limits light at residential property lines to 0.5 foot-candles. Complaints go to local code enforcement.
Each Hudson County municipality sets its own outdoor lighting standards through zoning. Jersey City Municipal Code Chapter 345 (Zoning) requires full cutoff fixtures for most new commercial installations and caps light trespass at 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. Hoboken's zoning ordinance similarly restricts glare and uplighting that affects neighbors. Floodlights aimed at adjacent homes, unshielded security lights, and commercial lighting that spills onto residential yards are all prohibited. Holiday and decorative string lighting typically has a seasonal exemption (generally 45 days before and 15 days after a recognized holiday). Commercial properties — especially in mixed-use zones along Newark Avenue, Washington Street, and Bergenline Avenue — face measured lumen limits at property boundaries. Enforcement is complaint-driven through each city's building/zoning department.
Light trespass complaint: written notice and typically 30 days to correct. Residential non-compliance: fines $100 to $500 per violation under each municipality's property maintenance code. Commercial violations: up to $1,250/day in Jersey City. Repeated complaints: escalating fines and possible certificate of occupancy issues.
Hudson County, NJ
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Hudson County, NJ
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Hudson County, NJ
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Hudson County, NJ
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Hudson County, NJ
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Hudson County, NJ
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See how Hudson County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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