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Outdoor Lighting

Fontana's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Fontana, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Dark Sky Rules

Fontana regulates outdoor lighting under FMC Title 17 to limit glare and spillover. Commercial and industrial lighting must be shielded full-cutoff. There is no full Dark Sky ordinance citywide.

Key details: Governing Code: FMC Title 17 Development Code. Shielding: Full cutoff on commercial. Property-Line Max: 0.5 fc at residential. Pole Height: 18-25 ft typical. Color Temp: 3000K guidance.

Lighting plan violations can hold up certificates of occupancy. Code Enforcement may issue FMC Title 1 administrative citations ($100-$500) for glare complaints. Persistent nuisance lighting can be abated through injunctive relief.

Light Trespass

Fontana treats light trespass as a zoning violation under FMC Title 17 and a nuisance under Civil Code 3479. Property-line levels facing residential parcels are capped; neighbors can pursue civil remedies.

Key details: City Limit: 0.5 fc at residential line. Nuisance Law: California Civil Code 3479. Shielding: Required (commercial). Remedy: Citation or injunction. Enforcement: Code Enforcement + court.

Commercial lighting exceeding Title 17 limits at property lines must be corrected or fixtures modified; failure triggers FMC Title 1 citations up to $500 per violation. Nuisance lighting can result in a civil injunction under Civil Code 3479.

The Bottom Line

Fontana'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 Fontana is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Fontana's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.