Outdoor Lighting in Merced, CA (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Merced, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Merced requires every fixture lighting a parking lot of six or more spaces to be hooded and energy efficient, keeping light directed downward and off adjoining properties. Its zoning code does not extend full-shielding rules to other outdoor fixtures citywide.
Merced Outdoor Parking Lot Lighting Shielding
Some RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 20.38.070(G)
G.Lighting.1.A parking area with six (6) or more parking spaces shall include outdoor lighting that provides a minimum illumination of 1.0 foot candles over the entire parking area or as otherwise required by the building code.2.Outdoor lighting as required by Subsection G.1 above shall be provided during nighttime business hours.3.All parking space area lighting shall be energy efficient and d...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Merced requires parking lot lighting to be designed so glare or spillage is directed away from residential properties, pairing that trespass rule with a mandatory hooded-fixture requirement for any lot with six or more spaces.
Merced Parking Lot Light Trespass Standard
Some RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 20.38.070(G)(3)
3.All parking space area lighting shall be energy efficient and designed so that any glare or spillage is directed away from residential properties.4.All fixtures shall be hooded.
Looking for Merced County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Merced city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Merced County →