Babylon, NY Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)
Key Facts
- Section
- Town of Babylon Code § 213-245(B)
- Defined examples
- string lights, menorahs, nativity scenes
- Special permit
- None specific to holiday displays
- First-offense fine
- Up to $250 (residential)
Summary
Town of Babylon's exterior lighting law names holiday lighting as its own defined category, string lights, menorahs, nativity scenes, candles and yard decorations, but carves out no special permit, timer or duration rule beyond the general exterior lighting standards.
Temporary lights used to celebrate holidays. Holiday lighting includes, but is not limited to, strings of small individual lights, illuminated menorahs, illuminated nativity scenes, illuminated candles, and various yard decorations seasonal in nature. IESNA Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES or IESNA), an organization that establishes updated standards and illumination guidelines for the lighting industry. IESNA RECOMMENDED PRACTICES The publications of the IESNA setting forth illuminance levels for different task areas, e.g., walkways, streets, sportslights, etc. ILLUMINANCE The density of light falling on any point of a surface, usually measured in footcandles in the United States. See "footcandle." LAMP The generic term for an artificial light source, to be distinguished from the whole assembly (see "fixture"); commonly referred to as the "light bulb." LIGHT The form of radiant energy acting on the retina of the eye to make sight possible. LIGHTING ASSEMBLY Any or all parts of a luminaire that function to produce light, including the bulb, assembly, ballast, mounting features and/or pole. LIGHT POLLUTION Any adverse effect of man-made light, including but not limited to glare, light trespass, skyglow, visual clutter, wasted energy due to excessive or unnecessary lighting, or any man-made light that unnecessarily diminishes the ability to view the night sky or is disruptive to flora and fauna. LIGHT TRESPASS
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4941158; v66 updated 2026-05-13; through 05-13-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 213-245's definitions list "holiday lighting" separately from the code's other lighting terms, expressly naming string lights, illuminated menorahs, illuminated nativity scenes, illuminated candles and seasonal yard decorations. The code does not attach a distinct duration limit, permit, or curfew to that category the way it does for "temporary lighting" tied to events. A typical low-wattage holiday display therefore falls under the same general residential exterior-lighting rules as any other fixture, including the exemption for unshielded residential luminaires up to one 60-watt-equivalent lamp per fixture in Section 213-245(C)(3)(a).
Violations & Fines
A residential lighting violation is punishable by a fine up to $250 (or up to 15 days) for a first offense, rising to $500 for a repeat violation within a year, and a misdemeanor up to $1,000 and 30 days for two or more violations within three years, per Section 213-245(L)(1).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Town of Babylon require a permit for holiday lights?
Is there a time limit on holiday light displays?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Babylon
New York rules heatmap·Compare Babylon to another location·View the New York sign regulations overview
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Holiday Displays in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Suffolk County handle holiday displays.