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

Light trespass is regulated by § 300-55.4(A) of the Town of Union Code, in Article 55 (Outdoor Lighting Regulations) of the Consolidated Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Union, Village of Johnson City, and Village of Endicott. Section 300-10.4 applies the article in the Town of Union outside the Villages of Endicott and Johnson City and inside both villages.

The standard is a single sentence: all outdoor lighting fixtures shall be shielded or otherwise contained on the property from which the light originates, which the code labels "light trespass limitations." It has no footcandle number at the property line. The test is whether the fixture is shielded or the light stays on the owner's lot.

Scope comes from § 300-55.2. The article applies to all new outdoor lighting fixtures, the expansion and alteration of existing fixtures, and the replacement of fixtures, but not to repair or maintenance. An existing fixture that is only repaired is not pulled in; one that is replaced is. The stated purpose in § 300-55.1 is to allow illumination levels appropriate for the use while minimizing side effects such as glare, light trespass and light pollution.

Review depends on the project. Under § 300-55.3, for uses that require site plan review, the Planning Board can require a lighting site plan showing the location, number, type or style, mounting height, and lighting levels produced on the ground, including a photometric report. All other uses conform to the general requirements without a plan.

Two related provisions address spillage directly. Parking lots must be designed so the lot is lit from the outside perimeter inward and/or incorporate design features with the intent of eliminating off-site light spillage (§ 300-55.5(A)). Lighting for farm or agricultural operations is exempt from the article, but operations within 100 feet of an adjacent residential dwelling must shield it to prevent light trespass onto the adjoining property (§ 300-55.6(F)).

Other exemptions include street lighting installed by the Town or Villages, Broome County Highway Department or New York State Department of Transportation, low-voltage lighting, holiday lighting, and temporary construction and emergency lighting. Blinking, flashing, strobe or search lights are prohibited outright (§ 300-55.7).