Outdoor Lighting in San Bernardino, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in San Bernardino or are thinking about moving there, outdoor lighting are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. San Bernardino has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Light Trespass

San Bernardino Development Code prohibits outdoor lighting that causes glare or light trespass onto neighbors or streets. Typical limits cap residential property-line light to 0.1 footcandle.

Key details: Residential Limit: 0.1 footcandle at property line. Nuisance Statute: Civil Code 3479. Shielding Required: Lamp not visible off-site. Mediation Option: Inland Fair Housing Board. Holiday Exemption: Seasonal lights exempt.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Dark Sky Rules

San Bernardino Development Code requires shielded, downward-directed outdoor lighting to minimize glare and light pollution. Mountain-area overlays near Crestline and Lake Arrowhead follow stricter dark-sky standards.

Key details: Fixture Standard: Fully shielded, downward. Commercial Max: Typical 4.0 footcandles. Color Temp Cap: 3000 K typical. Mountain Overlay: 2700 K full cut-off. Sign Hours: Business hours plus 1 hour.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The Bottom Line

San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from San Bernardino's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.