Noticing More Stars In Mendham’s Night Sky? This Could Be Why

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — Night owls may be noticing a more dazzling sky above Mendham, thanks to a new initiative from the township.

Last week, the Mendham Township Committee unanimously approved what's being dubbed as the “Dark Sky Ordinance.” Ordinance 05-2025 implements township-wide restrictions regarding exterior light usage during nighttime hours in an attempt to limit light pollution.

Introduced by Committeewoman Amalia Duarte, the Dark Sky Ordinance will “reduce light pollution and skyglow; promote energy conservation; potentially reduce costs; support aesthetic interests; and improve the natural nighttime environment for residents and wildlife.”

According to a report from the Natural History Museum, the night sky is becoming ten percent lighter each year as a result of light pollution. Experts say this has a significant effect on both people and wildlife.

“The rate at which stars are becoming invisible to people in urban environments is dramatic,” said light pollution expert Dr. Christopher Kyba. “If the brightening of the night sky continues at the current rate, a child born in a place where 250 stars are visible will only be able to see 100 stars there on their 18th birthday.”

Mendham’s new ordinance requires new developments of three units or more to use Dark Sky-compliant lights. These lights are specifically designed to minimize light pollution by directing light downward, preventing light from scattering upwards into the sky, and eliminating glare.

Additionally, newly developed public and private roads, parking lots, commercial developments, municipal properties, and school facilities will be subject to these new requirements.

According to the ordinance, the following regulations apply with respect to public properties:

1. Illumination levels should be extinguished by 10:00 p.m., or the close of activities, whichever is later, except for lighting activated by motion sensors.
2. Lighting around the perimeter of a site/building for security lighting purposes that is controlled by a motion sensor shall extinguish the light no later than 10 minutes after activation.
3. Light fixtures used to illuminate an American flag after dark shall comply with these regulations, emitting a narrow cone of light on the flag but not extending outward.
4. Lighting for the sole purpose of artificially illuminating landscaped areas in public properties is prohibited.

These requirements do not apply to temporary lighting being used for emergency purposes or nighttime work. Additionally, special events like fairs or block parties can use non-compliant lighting, so long as it is removed within two days of the event’s conclusion.

Those who do not follow the requirements are subject to a violation issued by the Zoning Official. If the violation is not taken care of within 30 days, the violator, whether it be a person, business, etc. is subject to a fine of up to $1,000 per day of continued violation.