New Haven, CT Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 60.1(d)(2)
- Required fixture type
- full cutoff or fully shielded
- Applies to
- parking, driveway, pedestrian lighting
- Closing curfew
- 50% dim within 30 min
Summary
New Haven requires every outdoor light fixture in a parking lot, driveway, or pedestrian area to be full cutoff or fully shielded so the light source itself stays hidden from view.
(2)Parking Lot and Security Lighting. All outdoor light fixtures within a parking lot, vehicular circulation area, or pedestrian area must be of a Full Cutoff or Fully-Shielded type. ... (2)FULL CUTOFF or FULLY-SHIELDED: A light fixture designed to control the view of direct light, in which the light source is enclosed, and hidden from view on all sides except the light-emitting opening.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 32).
Full Breakdown
New Haven Zoning Ordinance Section 60.1(d)(2) requires all outdoor light fixtures within a parking lot, vehicular circulation area, or pedestrian area to be Full Cutoff or Fully-Shielded. The ordinance defines that type as a fixture designed so the light source is enclosed and hidden from view on every side except the light-emitting opening, meaning the bulb itself can't be seen, only the light it casts downward. Parking-field lighting with four or more poles must also be cut by at least half within 30 minutes of closing, though it can't drop below an average 0.2 footcandles for safety.
Violations & Fines
A parking lot or security fixture that exposes the bare bulb instead of a full cutoff or fully-shielded housing violates Section 60.1(d)(2) and must be replaced or retrofitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do New Haven parking lot lights need shields?
Must parking lot lights dim after hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Haven
Compare New Haven to another location·View the Connecticut outdoor lighting overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.