Southampton Village, NY Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

The outdoor lighting law in § 116-13.1 of the Village of Southampton Code names preventing light trespass in all areas of the Village as one of its purposes, and the definitions section describes light trespass as light projected onto the property of another or into the public right-of-way when it is not required or permitted to do so. For reference the Code notes that full moonlight averages 0.01 footcandle.

Numeric limits. Under subsection G(1), no fixture can be located or concentrated so as to produce glare or direct illumination across the boundary property line, and no light can be of such intensity as to create a nuisance or detract from the use and enjoyment of adjacent property. At or beyond a property line that adjoins a residential parcel or public right-of-way, nonresidential illuminance cannot exceed 0.05 FC horizontal on the ground or 0.05 FC vertical measured at a five-foot height above the ground, unless another applicable law supersedes. Between adjacent commercial properties the limit is 0.1 FC.

Residential property. The footcandle figures sit in the nonresidential standards, but homes are covered too. Existing residential lighting shall not cause light trespass (D(2)), and residential lighting was required to conform to the light trespass and glare provisions upon enactment (D(3)(e)). A residential floodlight must not let its beam spread extend beyond the intended target or across property lines, and a residential sensor light shall not be triggered by activity off the property. Doorway fixtures that are unshielded are allowed only if the light trespass limitations are met.

Placement. All existing and new exterior lighting must be located and at a mounting height to prevent light trespass (F(3)). The definition of shielded notes that auxiliary back or house-side shielding can help limit trespass where a fixture is located near a property line.

Remedies. Lighting that violates the light trespass limits or creates a public nuisance or hazard can be ordered removed or altered at any time (D(3)(a)).