Edison Adopts Ordinance To Stop Light Spilling Into Homes

EDISON, NJ — Council on Wednesday adopted an ordinance taking steps to prevent light from spilling into other residential properties.

According to the ordinance, the township has received several complaints regarding “over-illumination of new residential buildings.”

“The Council has determined that it is in the best interest of Township residents to minimize light trespass and nuisance light from spilling over onto residential properties,” the ordinance said.

According to the attorney, the township has the right to regulate the intensity, brightness and positioning of the lights. The ordinance was written keeping in mind standards set by national codes, and recommendations of experts and engineers from the field.

“At a height of five feet above the property line of subject property, illuminations from light fixtures shall not exceed 0.1 foot-candles in a vertical plane on residentially zoned property,” the ordinance said.

“Outdoor light fixtures properly installed and thereafter maintained, shall be directed so that there will not be any objectional direct glare source visible from any property.”

The issue was brought to council, by councilman Ajay Patil. He said that the current ordinance does not address the intensity of lights for residential properties. With new developments coming around town, there have been issues with light spillage onto a neighbor’s property.

The ordinance was adopted unanimously.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com