Outdoor Lighting in Downey, CA (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Downey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Downey requires outdoor lighting citywide to be shielded and directed away from streets and neighboring properties under Municipal Code Section 9520.06(c). In the R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-3-O zones, fixtures cannot exceed eight feet in height or 300 watts, exposed bulbs are banned, and fence-mounted lighting cannot rise more than six inches above the fence.
Downey Outdoor Lighting Shielding Standards
Some RestrictionsDowney, CA, Municipal Code § 9520.06 (Outdoor Lighting)
(c) In all zones, outdoor lighting shall be directed, positioned, and/or shielded as not to direct light on any street or abutting property as shown in Figure 9.5.7. ... (d) In the R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-3-O Zones, no outside lighting shall exceed eight feet in height, except building lights, i.e., porch lights or the equivalent. In any case, no light fixture shall exceed a maximum lighting outpu...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Downey caps light trespass at 0.5 foot-candles measured at any point on a property's lot lines under Municipal Code Section 9516.06(g), a citywide performance standard that applies to every zone and every use, from a residential yard light to commercial and industrial fixtures, enforced alongside the City's separate outdoor lighting shielding rules.
Downey Outdoor Lighting Glare Limit
Some RestrictionsDowney, CA, Municipal Code § 9516.06(g) (Performance Standards - Glare)
All activities, uses, and operations in every zone shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable statutes, laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations of all governmental pollution control agencies having jurisdiction. ... (g) Glare. No operation, activity, or lighting fixture shall create illumination which exceeds 0.5 foot-candles at any point on the lot lines of the use.
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Downey city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Los Angeles County →