Are there lighting brightness bylaws in NB?

Light pollution and brightness bylaws in New Brunswick are handled at the municipal level, not provincially — so the rules vary depending on where you live, and many smaller municipalities have little to no specific lighting regulation.

That said, here's what's generally in play across NB:

Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John each have development and zoning bylaws that touch on outdoor lighting, typically focused on light trespass (light spilling onto neighbouring properties) and glare reduction rather than strict lumen limits. These rules most commonly apply to commercial properties, parking lots, and new developments — residential properties are less regulated but not entirely exempt. If a neighbour's light is shining directly into your bedroom window, there may be a nuisance or property standards bylaw that applies.

Dark sky and astronomical concerns are growing in NB, but formal "dark sky preserve" designations (like Kouchibouguac National Park's efforts) are federally managed through Parks Canada and don't extend into municipal residential areas.

For landscaping and outdoor lighting installations specifically, the practical considerations that come up most often are:

• Property line setbacks for fixture placement (check your municipality)
• Electrical permits — any hardwired outdoor lighting requires a licensed electrician and an ESA-compliant permit in NB
• HOA or subdivision covenants — some newer subdivisions in Moncton or Fredericton suburbs have private lighting rules baked into their deed covenants, which are separate from municipal bylaws entirely

The honest answer is that NB doesn't have a single, clear provincial standard for residential lighting brightness. Your best move is to call your local municipal planning or bylaw enforcement office directly — they can tell you exactly what applies to your property and intended installation. Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John all have accessible planning departments that respond to these questions quickly.

If you're planning a landscape lighting project and want to stay on the right side of any local rules, a professional landscaper familiar with your municipality can help you design a system that's both compliant and neighbourly. New Brunswick Landscaping can match you with a local pro for a free estimate — no obligation.