Civic Agendas NYC
Bills › Int 0804-2026
Int 0804-2026-A Bill Enacted

The maximum allowable illuminance of residential outdoor lighting fixtures.

Where it stands: Became Local Law 2026/151 on Oct 10, 2026.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee hearing
  3. Committee vote
  4. Council vote
  5. Mayor
  6. Law

Official summary

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.

Timeline

  1. Thu, Mar 26, 2026
    Introduced in the Council
    Formally read into the record at a Stated Meeting.
    City Council: “Introduced by Council”
  2. Thu, Mar 26, 2026
    Sent to committee
    Assigned to a committee, which must hold a hearing before any vote.
    City Council: “Referred to Comm by Council” · meeting
  3. Mon, Apr 6, 2026
    Public hearing: Environmental Protection and Waterfronts
    Council members heard testimony from the public and city agencies.
    Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts: “Hearing Held by Committee” · meeting
  4. Mon, Apr 6, 2026
    Environmental Protection and Waterfronts postponed a decision
    No vote yet; the item can come back at a later meeting.
    Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts: “Laid Over by Committee” · meeting
  5. Thu, Sep 10, 2026
    Public hearing: Environmental Protection and Waterfronts
    Council members heard testimony from the public and city agencies.
    Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts: “Hearing Held by Committee” · meeting
  6. Thu, Sep 10, 2026
    Changes proposed
    A revised version was introduced in committee.
    Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts: “Amendment Proposed by Comm” · meeting
  7. Thu, Sep 10, 2026
    Text amended
    The committee adopted a new version (the letter after the bill number changes).
    Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts: “Amended by Committee” · meeting
  8. Thu, Sep 10, 2026 · version A
    Committee vote: approved
    Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts voted on it.
    Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts: “Approved by Committee” · meeting · roll call
  9. Thu, Sep 10, 2026 · version A
    Full Council vote: passed
    All 51 members could vote at a Stated Meeting.
    City Council: “Approved by Council” · meeting · roll call
  10. Thu, Sep 10, 2026 · version A
    Sent to the Mayor
    The Mayor has 30 days to sign or veto.
    City Council: “Sent to Mayor by Council”
  11. Sat, Oct 10, 2026 · version A
    Became law
    Enacted under the City Charter.
    Administration: “City Charter Rule Adopted”
  12. Tue, Oct 13, 2026 · version A
    Became law without signature
    The Mayor neither signed nor vetoed it in time.
    City Council: “Returned Unsigned by Mayor”

How members voted

City Council · Thu, Sep 10, 2026 · Pass
46 yes3 no1 abstain1 absent / excused
Committee on Environmental Protection and Waterfronts · Thu, Sep 10, 2026 · Pass
5 yes0 no0 abstain0 absent / excused