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New York, NY Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Time limit
90 calendar days
Governing code
NYC Fire Code § FC605.9
Enforced by
FDNY and DOB
Wiring standard
Must meet NYC Electrical Code
Extension allowed for
Construction/remodeling only, not holidays

Summary

New York City's Fire Code caps temporary wiring for outdoor holiday lighting and other seasonal displays at 90 calendar days; wiring may run longer only during construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition work.

Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed for a period not to exceed 90 calendar days. Temporary wiring methods shall meet the applicable provisions of the Electrical Code. Exception: Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed during periods of construction, remodeling, repair or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment or similar activities.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The NYC Fire Code section on temporary wiring treats holiday string lights the same as any other temporary electrical installation: the wiring can stay up for up to 90 calendar days and must otherwise meet the NYC Electrical Code. There is no separate holiday carve-out, the only recognized exception covers wiring installed for construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition, which is allowed to run longer. FDNY and the Department of Buildings enforce the rule as an electrical-lighting hazard violation, so a display strung well past two months without being reworked as permanent wiring is technically out of compliance citywide.

Violations & Fines

Leaving temporary holiday-lighting wiring connected past 90 days, or using wiring that fails NYC Electrical Code standards, is an electrical-lighting hazard violation FDNY and DOB can cite under Fire Code Violation Category 27.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I leave holiday lights plugged in outdoors in NYC?
NYC Fire Code caps any temporary wiring for lighting, including holiday displays, at 90 calendar days; the only exception covers construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition work, not seasonal decorating.
Does temporary holiday lighting wiring have to meet electrical code standards?
Yes. FC 605.9 requires temporary wiring methods for holiday and other seasonal lighting installations to comply with the applicable provisions of the NYC Electrical Code.

Sources & Official References

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