Outdoor Lighting in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Bakersfield, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Bakersfield Dark-Sky Up-Lighting Containment
Some RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 17.71.030(F)-(G)
F. Up-lighting is only permitted if it is effectively contained and will not shine beyond the intended target into the night sky. Containment of lighting may include, but is not limited to, overhanging architectural elements such as eaves or awnings, or landscaping such as dense shrubs or dense evergreen tree canopies. G. Outlining of a building by means of neon, LED or other lighting shall be ...
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.
Bakersfield Outdoor Lighting Prohibitions
Some RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 17.71.070
A. No outdoor lighting fixture may resemble a traffic signal or be operated in such a manner as to constitute a hazard or danger to persons for safe vehicular and pedestrian travel. B. Lighting that is oriented upward, except as otherwise permitted by this chapter. C. Searchlights, beacons, and laser source lights, except as permitted by the city under a special event permit in accordance with ...
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.
Bakersfield Billboard Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 17.60.070(E)(10)
E. Outdoor Advertising Signs (Billboards). All outdoor advertising signs are regulated as follows: 1. Signs are permitted in the C-2, M-1, M-2 and M-3 zone districts, in addition to that permitted in those respective districts. 2. Signs shall not exceed an area of three hundred square feet, excluding cutouts or extensions provided they do not exceed thirty square feet in area. 3. Signs shall no...
Looking for Kern County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bakersfield city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Kern County →