Cambridge, MA Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)
Key Facts
- Where it applies
- Residence C-1 districts
- Holiday lighting duration cap
- 4 weeks per calendar year
- General floodlighting rule
- Prohibited outside listed exceptions
- Governing provision
- Zoning Ordinance § 7.20
- Max fine for violation
- $300 per day
Summary
In Residence C-1 districts, Cambridge's Zoning Ordinance bars outdoor floodlighting or decorative lighting outright, but carves out temporary holiday lighting used no longer than four weeks in any calendar year.
In Residence C-1 districts no outdoor floodlighting or decorative lighting, except lighting primarily designed to illuminate walks, driveways, outdoor living areas, or outdoor recreational facilities, and except temporary holiday lighting in use for not longer than a four week period in any calendar year, shall be permitted.
Full Breakdown
" Any permanent lighting that is allowed under the walks/driveways/recreation exception must be continuous, indirect, and installed so it does not shine directly onto a street or adjacent property. The four-week holiday lighting exemption applies specifically within Residence C-1 districts, Cambridge's most restrictive residential zone, and was carried forward by Ordinance No. 2025-1, adopted February 10, 2025. 16 and elsewhere) govern, and the Ordinance does not separately restate a duration cap for holiday displays in other districts, so the four-week limit is the operative local ceiling on the length of a holiday lighting display in the district where floodlighting is otherwise banned.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Section 7.20 fall under the Zoning Ordinance's general enforcement scheme in Article 9.000: the Superintendent of Buildings, designated under Section 9.11 as the enforcing officer, can deny permits tied to a noncompliant installation, and a person who violates any Ordinance provision may be fined up to $300 per offense under Section 9.16(1), with non-criminal disposition available under G.L. c. 40, § 21D at the same $300-per-day cap, with each day of continued violation counted separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I keep holiday lights up in Cambridge?
Are floodlights allowed year-round in Residence C-1 in Cambridge?
Who enforces the holiday lighting time limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
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