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Outdoor Lighting in Cathedral City, CA (2026)

2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Cathedral City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Dark Sky Rules

In Cathedral City, California, every exterior illuminating device must be fully or partially shielded according to Table A of Chapter 9.89, so light stays below the horizontal. The chapter exists to maintain dark skies. Violations are infractions, with fines up to $1,000 for a fourth offense in twelve months.

Cathedral City Dark-Sky Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rules

Some Restrictions

Cathedral City Municipal Code § 9.89.050

A. Shielding. ... All exterior illuminating devices, except those exempt from this chapter and those regulated by Section 9.89.060, shall be fully or partially shielded as required in Table A of this section. 1. "Fully shielded" means the fixture shall be shielded in such a manner that light rays emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamp or indirectly from the fixture, are projected...

Light Trespass & Shielding

In Cathedral City, Section 9.89.110 requires any illumination, including security lighting, to be directed away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way. Chapter 9.89 also requires shielding on outdoor fixtures, and violations are public nuisances and infractions with fines from $250 up to $1,000 for a fourth conviction.

Cathedral City Outdoor Lighting and Light Trespass Rules

Some Restrictions

Cathedral City Municipal Code § 9.89.110

Parking areas shall have lighting capable of providing adequate illumination for security and safety consistent with all outdoor lighting standards of the city, including, without limitation, those set forth in this chapter. The minimum requirement for adequate illumination is one foot candle, maintained across the surface of the parking area. Lighting shall be in scale with the height and use ...

Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cathedral City city rules.

Outdoor Lighting in Riverside County →