Long Branch, NJ Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Footcandle limit
- 0.5 fc at property line, vertical plane
- Visibility standard
- Not visible above 3 feet at boundary
- Adopted
- Ordinance No. 20-23, July 26, 2023
- Applies to
- Residential and mixed-residential zones
- Max penalty
- $2,000 fine / 90 days
Summary
Long Branch caps light trespass onto neighboring property at 0.5 footcandle in a vertical plane at the property line and bars any illumination source from being visible at the boundary above three feet. Shielding and fixture placement are the code's stated compliance methods.
A. All lighting shall be designed and installed in a manner that will result in the direct or diffused illumination source 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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4904719; v48 updated 2026-06-10; through 06-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 213, Light Pollution, was adopted by Ordinance No. 20-23 on July 26, 2023, to curb sky glow and protect nighttime safety in residential areas. City of Long Branch Code § 213-4, Light trespass, sets two linked standards. First, all lighting must be designed and installed so the direct or diffused illumination source is not visible at any point on the property boundary at a height of three feet or greater, achieved through shielding, fixture placement, or fixture type and style. 5 footcandle measured in a vertical plane.
A third clause requires all outdoor fixtures to be designed, installed and maintained so there are no objectionable direct light emissions. 5-footcandle ceiling and shielding duties apply citywide wherever those uses sit. The same chapter separately requires outdoor security lighting in residential areas to be activated by motion-sensor devices under § 213-3, reinforcing that fixtures should not stay illuminated and spilling light onto neighbors continuously.
Violations & Fines
Any person violating a provision of Chapter 213, including the 0.5-footcandle property-line limit or the visibility-at-three-feet standard in § 213-4, is subject on conviction to the penalty set in Chapter 1, General Provisions, § 1-16, under § 213-6. That default provision authorizes a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment of up to 90 days, or up to 90 days of community service, and treats each day a fixture remains out of compliance as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can my outdoor light be at my neighbor's fence?
Does shielding satisfy the light trespass rule?
Where does this light trespass rule apply?
What's the penalty for a light trespass violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Branch
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