Quincy, MA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 5.4.1
- Applies in
- Residence districts only
- Allowed lighting
- Walks, driveways, doorways, holiday lights
- Required design
- Continuous indirect light, no trespass
- Banned fixtures
- Neon and exposed gas-tube lighting
Summary
Quincy's zoning ordinance bars floodlighting in residence districts except for walkways, driveways and holiday displays, and requires any permanent fixture to use continuous indirect light that won't shine onto a street or a neighbor's property.
In a residence district, no outdoor decorative or floodlighting shall be permitted except lighting primarily designed to illuminate walks, driveway, parking areas, doorways, outdoor living areas or outdoor recreational facilities, and except temporary holiday lighting, except decorative floodlighting of institutional, public or historic buildings. Any such permanent lighting shall be continuous indirect light installed in such a manner that will prevent direct light from shining onto any street or adjacent property. No neon type or exposed illuminated gas tube type light shall be allowed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4608810; v7 updated 2025-10-06; through 10-06-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 5.4.1 of the Quincy Zoning Ordinance limits outdoor decorative and floodlighting in residence districts to fixtures illuminating walks, driveways, parking areas, doorways, outdoor living areas or recreational facilities, plus temporary holiday lighting and floodlit institutional, public or historic buildings. Any permanent lighting allowed under the exception must be continuous indirect light installed so it prevents direct light from shining onto a street or adjacent property, and neon or exposed illuminated gas-tube lighting is banned outright.
Violations & Fines
Violating Section 5.4.1 is a zoning code violation enforced by the Department of Inspectional Services, which can order noncompliant fixtures altered, shielded or removed; repeat or unresolved violations can escalate to Zoning Board enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Quincy, Massachusetts regulate light trespass onto neighboring property?
Are floodlights allowed in Quincy residential yards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Quincy
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