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Springfield, MA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Spillover light cap
0.2 foot-candles
Measured at
Residential property line
Applies to
Digital non-accessory (billboard) signs
Governing section
§ 9.9.39

Summary

Springfield caps spillover light from digital non-accessory signs (billboards) at 0.2 foot candles measured at a residential property line, on top of the sign's own dimming and brightness rules.

Spillover light exceeding 0.2 foot candles as measured at a residential property line is prohibited.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Section 9.9.30 of the Springfield, Massachusetts (Hampden County) Zoning Ordinance regulates digital non-accessory signs -- freestanding electronic billboards permitted only in Business B or Industrial A districts under a Tier 3 special permit. Beyond the sign's own automatic-dimming and 0.3-foot-candle brightness cap, Section 9.9.39 adds a separate light-trespass limit: spillover light exceeding 0.2 foot candles, measured at a residential property line, is prohibited outright. That is the zoning ordinance's most specific numeric light-trespass standard; other exterior lighting, such as parking-lot fixtures under Section 7.1.54, must be shielded from abutting properties but is not held to a comparable foot-candle figure.

Violations & Fines

A digital sign whose spillover light exceeds 0.2 foot candles at a residential property line violates Section 9.9.39 regardless of the sign's permit status; the Building Commissioner can require remediation and impose $100-$300 daily fines under § 11.1.21.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a limit on light spilling onto my property from a nearby digital sign in Springfield, MA?
Yes. Section 9.9.39 of the Springfield Zoning Ordinance caps spillover light from digital non-accessory signs at 0.2 foot candles measured at a residential property line.
Does Springfield's light-trespass rule cover all outdoor lighting?
No. The 0.2 foot-candle figure in Section 9.9.39 applies specifically to digital non-accessory (billboard) signs; other exterior lighting is governed by separate shielding requirements without that numeric cap.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Springfield

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsBillboard LightingSome RestrictionsDark Sky RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Springfield rules

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