No statewide law
New Jersey
Last checked October 29, 2026
New Jersey has no statewide outdoor lighting law. A 1993 act created a Light Pollution Study Commission, which reported in 1996. Senate Bill S1635 (2026 session) would require fully shielded, 2,700 K-capped fixtures on state-funded projects but has not passed. A model ordinance template exists for towns, and Bloomfield has had a light-pollution chapter since 2001.
Municipal codes
- Bloomfield Township (opens in new tab): Chapter 345, Light Pollution (Ord. 01-30, 2001) requires shielding so the source is not visible at the property line, caps light at the boundary at 0.5 footcandle, requires motion sensors on residential security lights, and bans mercury vapor, searchlights, and upward-aimed sources.
Sources
- https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1635_I1.HTM (opens in new tab)
- https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2022/A3500/3080_I1.HTM (opens in new tab)
- https://www.starastronomy.org/light-pollution/new-jersey-light-pollution-study-commission-report (opens in new tab)
- https://anjec.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/New-Jersey-Model-Lighting-Ordinance-Template-for-Municipalities.pdf (opens in new tab)
- https://ecode360.com/11765749 (opens in new tab)