DARK SKIES
Mitigate light pollution and protect our environment
Lincoln Common Ground is proud to partner with the Lincoln Dark Skies Committee to share more ways you can get involved.
Why control light pollution?
01
Support our ecosystems by improving the survival of mammals,
amphibians, birds and insects
02
Protect our pollinators and improve food production on our farms
03
Enhance our safety and security
04
Protect our quality-of-life and human health
05
Reduce energy consumption
06
Enhance our ability to enjoy the starry night
Artificial light at night harms our fauna
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For billions of years, plants and animals have evolved with the earth cycles of night and day
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In the last century, humans have perturbed that cycle, endangering ecosystems
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In the last twenty years, LED lights have brought daylight into the night
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All animals, whether nocturnal or diurnal depend on circadian cycles for survival
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Artificial light affects critical activities such as reproduction, foraging, hiding from predators, migration, and sleep
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Animals stay away from our artificial light resulting in a reduction of their habitat already in decline
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The glare of our lights interferes the nocturnal breeding activity of frogs, salamanders and toads and kill insects
Lincoln MA Bylaws & Guidance
Current Exterior Lighting Bylaws
13.5 Exterior Lighting: All artificial lighting permanently installed in any district, shall
consist only of fully shielded light fixtures and be so installed or shielded as to
prevent direct light or glare from the light source from interfering with the vision of
motorists or pedestrians passing in the street or streets abutting the premises and
as to prevent direct light or glare from illuminating neighboring properties.
13.5.1 All exterior lamps shall have a Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) value of 3000K or below.
Current Exterior Lighting Guidance
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Exterior lighting on structures will be allowed only where required by the Massachusetts Building Code or where the Planning Board determines that lighting is needed to enhance safety of occupants or visitors.
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Individual light fixtures shall not exceed 900 lumens.
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Exterior lighting of structures or landscape for architectural or aesthetic effect is not permitted.
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Driveway lighting will not be allowed; however, lighting in parking areas and walkways adjacent to a home may be allowed. Such lighting should be mounted no more than 3 feet above finished grade.
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To identify street numbers, reflective numbers on mailboxes are preferred. In unusual circumstances the Planning Board may allow lighting of street numbers placed on the exterior of a residence or on a plaque or bollard placed near the street.
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Existing fixtures prior to 2015 are exempt from this regulation.
