This document brings together the best elements from ordinances and bylaws that have been introduced elsewhere, including early drafts of a Model Lighting Ordinance that had been envisioned by a joint task force of DarkSky International and the Illuminating Engineering Society. While it was designed specifically for Massachusetts, it could easily be adapted elsewhere.

This template can be easily adopted by small- and medium-size towns. It’s not really suited for larger municipalities that have complex combinations of residential and commercial neighborhoods. Importantly, this template provides specific, defensible limits and restrictions — along with common-sense exemptions (for, say, holiday lighting) that municipal officials will find reasonable and enforceable. Moreover, unlike many existing and older regulations, this new approach fully encompasses the kinds of modern-day lighting challenges posed by the widespread adoption of LEDs.

You can download the Contemporary Outdoor-lighting Bylaw in two formats:
• COB (as a Word document)
• COB (as a PDF)

If you have questions — or suggestions for improvements — please contact Tim Brothers or Kelly Beatty.

(Here’s our list of all known bylaws and ordinances in the state.)