NYC Council Introduction 804

intro.nyc/0804-2026 2026-2029 Legislative Session
The maximum allowable illuminance of residential outdoor lighting fixtures.
Status: Laid Over in Committee Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts
Sponsored by Phil Wong
Introduced: March 26, 2026

This bill would establish a maximum allowable illuminance of 1 footcandle (11 lux) for certain residential outdoor lighting fixtures. The illuminance limit would apply only to 1- and 2-family homes in low-density residential districts. Outdoor lighting fixtures that are government-operated, used to illuminate a parking lot or sidewalk shed, used for construction safety, part of lawful signs, or part of temporary ornamental displays would be exempt. The Department of Buildings would issue a civil penalty to violators, with the ability to reduce such penalty to $0 if the violator takes steps to prevent the light from shining onto neighboring properties by shielding, relocating, or removing the outdoor lighting fixture.