This document brings together the best elements from ordinances and bylaws that have been introduced elsewhere, including the initial version of our chapter’s bylaw template and 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 the document described here was designed specifically for Massachusetts, it could easily be adapted elsewhere.

This template is designed to be adapted and adopted by small- and medium-size towns. It’s not really suitable 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.

Importantly, this document has been reviewed by DarkSky International, and it satisfies DSI’s criteria for Bronze Certification. If you have questions — or suggestions for improvements — please contact Tim Brothers or Kelly Beatty.

Download DarkSkyMass’s Outdoor-Lighting Bylaw Template as a PDF.

(Here’s our list of all known outdoor-lighting bylaws and ordinances in Massachusetts.)