Trenton, NJ Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Trenton Code § 315-9.3.B
- Max footcandle at lot line
- 1.0 footcandle
- Fixture design required
- Full cutoff or semi-cutoff
- Freestanding fixture height
- 15-20 ft depending on district
- Security light shutoff
- Within 15 minutes of area vacated
- Prohibited fixtures
- Flickering, flashing, laser, searchlights
Summary
Trenton caps outdoor lighting at one footcandle measured at any lot line and requires every outdoor luminaire to be full-cutoff or semi-cutoff and shielded so no glare reaches adjacent lots or the right-of-way. The zoning code separately bans glare of any kind from crossing a lot line under its performance standards.
Lighting Standards. The maximum allowable footcandle at any lot line is one footcandle. All luminaires must be either full cutoff or semi-cutoff luminaire design. Any freestanding luminaire for a nonresidential use over 18 inches in height must be located at least 5 feet from a residential district lot line. The maximum total height of a freestanding luminaire is 20 feet in a nonresidential district, and 15 feet in a residential district. All outdoor luminaires must be located and adequately shielded so that there is no glare onto adjacent lots or onto the public right-of-way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4853025; v21 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
" Freestanding fixtures over 18 inches tall serving a nonresidential use must sit at least five feet from a residential district lot line, and freestanding luminaires are capped at 20 feet total height in nonresidential districts and 15 feet in residential districts. A, Glare: "No use may produce a strong, dazzling light or reflection of a strong, dazzling light, or glare beyond its lot lines. " A handful of exceptions apply: directional accent or uplighting aimed at a building facade may not exceed one footcandle at any lot line and must not throw glare toward streets or the sky; motion-activated security lighting that shuts off within 15 minutes of the area being vacated is exempt; and outdoor recreational fields get their own higher fixture allowance (up to 65 feet) but must direct all lighting onto the field and extinguish it one hour after events end. D.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the one-footcandle limit at a lot line, using non-cutoff or unshielded fixtures, or producing glare that becomes a nuisance to an abutting property violates §§ 315-9.3 and 315-9.6.A and is punishable under Trenton's general penalty, City Code § 1-17: a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days in the county jail, or up to 90 days of community service, with each day of continued violation a separate offense under § 1-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can outdoor lighting be at my Trenton property line?
Does Trenton regulate glare separately from light trespass?
Can I leave a motion-activated security light on all night in Trenton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Trenton
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