New York, NY Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

NYC lacks a standalone light trespass law but addresses the issue through several mechanisms. The Zoning Resolution (Article VII, Chapter 2) regulates sign illumination and prohibits signs from directing flashing or excessively bright light into residential buildings. DOB enforces these standards. Under the general nuisance provisions of the NYC Health Code and Admin Code, persistent and unreasonable light intrusion from commercial or industrial sources into residential dwellings may be actionable as a nuisance. The NYC Building Code's energy conservation provisions require shielded outdoor lighting fixtures that minimize glare. Complaints about light intrusion are filed through 311 and may be investigated by DOB or DEP depending on the source. In practice, light trespass complaints in NYC are common from residents near commercial signage, new LED billboards, and construction sites. Construction site lighting must be directed at the work area and not into adjacent residential properties per Construction Noise Mitigation Plan requirements.