Light trespass in Suffolk County is addressed through local nuisance codes and zoning. Boston Code §16-12 (public nuisances) and Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop nuisance bylaws allow complaints against lighting that unreasonably illuminates adjoining property. Commercial light spill limits are typically 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines.
Light trespass — defined as artificial light crossing a property line and illuminating a neighboring property — is regulated in Suffolk County through general nuisance authority and zoning. No specific state statute addresses residential light trespass, but MGL c. 243 (public nuisance) and MGL c. 40, §21 (municipal police power) authorize local action. Boston Code of Ordinances §16-12 and the Building Code address lighting that creates a hazard or nuisance; enforcement is through Inspectional Services or civil nuisance action. Commercial and institutional properties reviewed under Boston Zoning Article 80 must meet the 0.5 foot-candle (residential boundary) and 1.0 foot-candle (commercial boundary) limits. Chelsea Zoning §34-300 limits site lighting spillover to 0.5 fc at abutting residential lots. Revere §17.16.210 sets the same limit. Winthrop handles light trespass through its general nuisance bylaw (Town Bylaws Chapter 8). Enforcement is complaint-driven: affected neighbors file with the Building/Inspectional Services Department, which measures foot-candles with a light meter. Common causes include unshielded floodlights, security lights aimed horizontally, LED retrofits that intensify beam spread, and commercial parking-lot lighting. Remedies include shielding, aim adjustment, timers, and motion sensors.
Complaint-driven. First notice: 30 days to correct. Non-compliance: $100-$300 per day under MGL c. 40, §21D. Chronic commercial violations: up to $1,000/day under Article 80 conditions.
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