Outdoor Lighting in Modesto, CA (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Modesto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Modesto has no citywide dark-sky or outdoor-lighting code; the only shielded-lighting and night-sky standard in the Municipal Code sits inside the commercial cannabis chapter. Section 10-3.707(e) requires every licensed cannabis cultivation, dispensary, manufacturing or delivery site to keep its lighting fully shielded and downward-casting, barring light from spilling onto neighboring properties or being visible from those properties between sunset and sunrise.
Modesto Cannabis Facility Outdoor Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 10-3.707(e)
(e)Lighting. All lighting shall be fully shielded, downward casting and not spill over onto structures, other properties or the night sky. All indoor and mixed light cultivation operations shall be fully contained so that little to no light escapes. Light shall not escape at a level that is visible from neighboring properties between sunset and sunrise.
Billboard Lighting
Modesto limits electronic message boards, video display signs, and digital freeway billboards along Highway 99 to a brightness of three-tenths of a foot candle above ambient light, measured with a Lux meter under Municipal Code Section 10-6.108(f)(1)(ii)(j). Every covered sign must run automatic dimming technology and revert to a black screen immediately if it malfunctions or exceeds the cap.
Modesto Digital Billboard Brightness Capped at 0.3 fc
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 10-6.108(f)(1)(ii)(j); § 10-6.108(f)(3)(iii)(a)(10)
10)Illumination. Digital freeway signs shall operate at brightness levels consistent with Section 10-6.108 (f) (1) (ii) j). ... j)Brightness. Signs shall utilize automatic dimming technology to adjust the brightness of the sign relative to ambient light so that at no time shall a sign exceed a brightness level of three-tenths (0.3) foot candles above ambient light, as measured using a foot cand...
Looking for Stanislaus County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Modesto city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Stanislaus County →