Outdoor Lighting in Milpitas, CA (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Milpitas, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
The City of Milpitas requires all new or replacement exterior light fixtures to minimize impacts on the night sky and neighboring properties. Milpitas Municipal Code Section XIII-C.2.070 sets a citywide shielding standard: exterior lighting must be shielded or recessed and directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way.
Milpitas Outdoor Lighting Shielding Standards
Some RestrictionsMilpitas Municipal Code § XIII-C.2.070.A, C.3.a
A.Purpose. ... The purpose of this Section is to provide standards for outdoor lighting in order to maintain adequate visibility and safety, conserve energy, and protect against glare and excessive lighting. This Section is intended to minimize outdoor artificial light that may have a detrimental effect on the environment and enjoyment of the night sky. These provisions are also intended to red...
Light Trespass & Shielding
The City of Milpitas caps light spilling onto a neighbor's property at 0.3 foot-candles measured at the property line. Milpitas Municipal Code Section XIII-C.2.070.C.5 requires every light fixture to be located, aimed, and shielded to prevent that trespass, and fixtures within 25 feet of a residential zone need an added shield.
Milpitas Light Trespass 0.3 Foot-Candle Limit
Some RestrictionsMilpitas Municipal Code § XIII-C.2.070.C.3.e, C.5
e.Any light fixture located within 25 feet of a residential zone or public right-of-way must utilize an internal or external shield, with the light fixture and shield oriented to minimize light trespass onto adjacent property or the right-of-way line. If an external shield is used, its surface must be painted black to minimize reflections. ... 5.Light Trespass Standard. All light fixtures must ...
Billboard Lighting
In the City of Milpitas, a billboard may be non-illuminated, internally illuminated, or externally illuminated, but Table C.8.050-D of Municipal Code § XIII-C.8.050.D bars any lighting that impairs the vision of travelers on an adjacent interstate or state route. Static-display billboards must have their light sources fixed toward the freeway so the angle cannot later be adjusted.
Milpitas Billboard Illumination Standards
Some RestrictionsMilpitas Municipal Code § XIII-C.8.050.D.2 (Table C.8.050-D)
Illumination Non-illuminated, internal illumination, or external illumination (see C.8.040.E (Sign Illumination)) Lighting shall not impair the vision of travelers on any adjacent interstate or state route 3 The lamps/light sources of a static display must be designed and installed so that the angle of the light towards the freeway cannot be altered.
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Milpitas city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Santa Clara County →