City of Northampton Lighting Policies

A new outdoor lighting ordinance was unanimously approved by City Council in Feb. 2024.  The new code sets a maximum of 2700K for color; requires full shielding against glare, uplighting, and light trespass; requires lights-off, dimming, or motion sensors after hours; sets new lumen (brightness) caps; and applies to both private and public installations.  Full text PDF available in Downloads section below.

Northampton's previous lighting code was approved in 2006 and applied to all new private development projects.  It was fairly standard for its time, but it became outdated, especially since LEDs, which have changed outdoor lighting so dramatically, were not even mentioned in the code.  

In January 2021, the Northampton Energy and Sustainability Commission (NESC) unanimously endorsed the IDA/IES Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting.  The 5 Principles also appear in the city's Climate Resilience and Regeneration Plan (p. 39).

On Sept. 3, 2020, the Northampton City Council unanimously endorsed a resolution in support of the twin statewide "Dark Sky Bills" (current versions: S.2147 and H.3306).  Copies of the resolution were sent to our representatives in the state legislature, the relevant committee chairs, and Governor Baker.

Mayor Sciarra's plans to read aloud the official proclamation recognizing April2-8, 2024 as International Dark Sky Week at Northampton Night Fest, April 2 at 8 pm at Historic Northampton