Outdoor Lighting in Bakersfield, CA

If you live in Bakersfield or are thinking about moving there, outdoor lighting are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Bakersfield has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Billboard Lighting

Bakersfield lets outdoor advertising signs (billboards) be illuminated, but only "provided no lighting is directed onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way" under Municipal Code § 17.60.070(E)(10). Billboards themselves are confined to the C-2, M-1, M-2 and M-3 zones, capped at 300 square feet and 35-50 feet in height, and set back 300 feet from residential property.

Key details: Lighting standard: No light directed onto adjacent property or ROW. Permitted zones: C-2, M-1, M-2, M-3 only. Max sign area: 300 sq. ft. (plus 30 sq. ft. cutouts). Max height: 35 ft. in C-2; 50 ft. in M-1/M-2/M-3. Residential setback: 300 feet.

A billboard whose lighting spills onto an adjacent property or the public right-of-way is out of compliance with § 17.60.070(E)(10) and, under § 17.60.110(A), is declared a public nuisance. The building director may issue a written notice requiring correction; if the owner fails to comply, the city can abate the violation and place the abatement cost as a lien against the property under Government Code §§ 38773-38773.7, per § 17.60.110(C).

Light Trespass & Shielding

Bakersfield Municipal Code § 17.71.070 bans outdoor light fixtures that resemble traffic signals, shine upward, blink or revolve, or beam searchlights and lasers without a special event permit, plus any permanent lighting aimed into the Kern River or natural areas. Code enforcement, fire, and police enforce these citywide prohibitions on every property.

Key details: Governing section: BMC § 17.71.070. Enforcing agencies: Code enforcement, fire, police. Adopted: Ord. 4617, 2010. Arrest authority: Penal Code § 836.5, building inspector III+. Special event lighting: Requires permit under § 17.60.070(B).

Operating a searchlight, laser, or upward-aimed fixture without an exempt use is a Title 17 violation enforced by code enforcement, fire, or police under § 17.72.010. A qualified building inspector may issue a misdemeanor citation or make a warrantless arrest under Penal Code § 836.5 for violations occurring in their presence; the city attorney can separately pursue civil nuisance abatement or a Superior Court injunction against the property owner.

Dark Sky Rules

Bakersfield's outdoor lighting chapter requires any up-lighting or building-outline lighting to stay fully contained so it never escapes into the night sky. BMC § 17.71.030(F)-(G) lets owners use eaves, awnings, dense shrubs, or evergreen canopies to trap the glow, but a bare upward beam is not allowed.

Key details: Governing section: BMC § 17.71.030(F)-(G). Containment methods: Eaves, awnings, dense evergreen canopy. Applies to: Up-lighting & building-outline lighting. Adopted: Ord. 4617, 2010. Review trigger: Site plan review under § 17.71.020(E).

Uncontained up-lighting or building-outline lighting that spills into the sky violates § 17.71.030(F)-(G) and is enforced the same way as other Title 17 lighting violations, through the code enforcement division under § 17.72.010, with a building inspector III or higher authorized to cite or, for in-presence misdemeanors, arrest under Penal Code § 836.5. The city attorney may pursue nuisance abatement for repeat offenders.

The Bottom Line

Bakersfield's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bakersfield is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Bakersfield's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.