Nantucket's Outdoor Lighting Bylaw

The following are prohibited for residential exterior lighting (with certain limited exceptions) if the lighting output is more than 600 lumens (about 40 watts incandescent and 7 watts LED).  

• Fixtures that allow the light source to be directly visible from adjacent and neighboring properties or public rights-of-way (Section 102-3B)
• Ground-mounted floodlighting and floodlighting that is not down-directed and fully-shielded (Section 102-4D)
• Uplighting of an entrance that is not under a roof, eave or other architectural element (Section 102-4A(1))
• Uplighting of building facades, trees, and shrubs (Section 102-4B and C)
• Blinking, flashing, moving, revolving, scintillating, flickering, changing intensity and changing color lights except for temporary holiday displays (Section 102-5C)
• Safety and security lighting that does not have a motion sensor, photocell or timer to control the duration of nighttime illumination (Section 102-4E)
• Any architectural lighting that does not comply with relevant HDC guidelines and application procedures (Section 102-5A)

Note: The restriction on using lighting for recreational purposes after 10:00 pm (Section 102-4F) has been construed by the Town to not apply to residential pools. 

See the bylaw itself (click here) for more detail, including additional restrictions, and contact the Lighting Enforcement Officer with any questions

The following restrictions apply to exterior lighting on commercial properties where the lighting output is more than 600 lumens (about 40 watts incandescent and 7 watts LED). 

• All exterior lighting (except floodlights) shall be contained in fixtures with an opaque top and translucent sides (partially shielded) such that the light source is not directly visible from adjacent and neighboring properties or public rights-of-way. (Section 102-3B)  
• Commercial property or properties containing mixed uses with a commercial component may not have lighting which exceeds the average minimum levels listed in the IESNA Recommended Publications. (Chapter 102-3D)  
• Parking area lights in commercial areas are encouraged to be greater in number, lower in height and lower in light level, as opposed to fewer in number, higher in height and higher in light level. Parking lot lighting shall not exceed average minimum IESNA recommended values. (Chapter 102-3E)
• Pedestrian area lighting shall be fully shielded or full cutoff, not to exceed 12 feet in height, with illumination levels no higher than the average minimum IESNA recommended values. (Chapter 102-3F)  
• No exterior lighting may be used in any manner that could interfere with the safe movement of motor vehicles on publicly traveled ways. (Chapter 102-3G)  
• Uplighting is not permitted except when used as to light a primary entrance or a local, state or national flag, and, even then, certain restrictions apply. (Chapter 102-4A and 102-4B)  
• Floodlighting is only permitted when it is down-directed and fully-shielded such that the lamp is not visible from adjacent and/or neighboring properties. Ground-mounted floodlighting of a structure is prohibited. (Chapter 102-4D)  
• Safety and security lighting shall use motion sensors, photocells, or photocell/timers to control duration of nighttime illumination. (Chapter 102-4E) 
•  Linear architectural highlighting (including rope lighting) primarily intended as an architectural highlight to attract attention or used as a means of identification or advertisement is discouraged and must be turned off 30 minutes after the close of public hours. (Chapter 102-5B)  
• Blinking, flashing, moving, revolving, scintillating, flickering, changing intensity and changing color lights shall be prohibited except for temporary holiday displays, lighting for public safety or traffic control, or lighting required by the FAA for air traffic control and warning purposes. (Chapter 102-5C)
• The use of lighting for recreational purposes after 10:00 pm (Section 102-4F)

Some exemptions apply: See Chapter 102

The following restrictions apply to exterior lighting on properties owned by the Town, where the lighting output is more than 600 lumens (about 40 watts incandescent and 7 watts LED). Exemptions apply where a deviation is shown to provide "demonstrable community and/or health, safety, and welfare benefits."

• Pedestrian area lighting shall be fully shielded or full cutoff, not exceed 12 feet in height, with illumination levels no higher than the average minimum IESNA recommended values. (Chapter 102-3F)  
• No exterior lighting may be used in any manner that could interfere with the safe movement of motor vehicles on publicly traveled ways. Specifically, all roadway lights and area lights along roadways must be shielded to prevent glare as seen from the road and only placed in areas deemed necessary for safety. Full cutoff fixtures are preferred. (Chapter 102-3G)  
• Highlighting, or illumination, of building facades by use of uplighting is prohibited. (Chapter 102-4B)  
• Floodlighting is only permitted when it is down-directed and fully-shielded such that the lamp is not visible from adjacent and/or neighboring properties. Ground-mounted floodlighting of a structure is prohibited. (Chapter 102-4D)  
• Safety and security lighting shall use motion sensors, photocells, or photocell/timers to control duration of nighttime illumination. (Chapter 102-4E)
• Linear architectural highlighting (including rope lighting) primarily intended as an architectural highlight to attract attention or used as a means of identification or advertisement is discouraged and must be turned off 30 minutes after the close of public hours. (Chapter 102-5B)  
• Blinking, flashing, moving, revolving, scintillating, flickering, changing intensity and changing color lights shall be prohibited except for temporary holiday displays, lighting for public safety or traffic control, or lighting required by the FAA for air traffic control and warning purposes. (Chapter 102-5C)
• The use of lighting for recreational purposes after 10:00 pm (Section 102-4F)