Outdoor Lighting in Santa Clarita, CA (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Santa Clarita, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
New and replacement outdoor lighting in Santa Clarita must be directed downward with a cut-off design so the bulb or lens stays hidden below the fixture housing, under UDC § 17.51.050. Commercial, industrial, and mixed-use lighting must also shut off by 10 p.m. (or an hour after closing) unless it runs on a timer, motion sensor, or 50% dimmer.
Santa Clarita Dark-Sky Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Clarita, CA, Unified Development Code § 17.51.050(A), (D)
A. Purpose. These regulations are intended to: 1. Permit reasonable uses of outdoor lighting for night-time safety, utility, security, productivity, enjoyment, and commerce. ... 3. Minimize adverse off-site light trespass and/or obtrusive light. 4. Reduce light pollution and preserve the nighttime environment. ... D. Lighting Standards. 1. General Requirements. a. Shielding. All lighting shall ...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Outdoor lighting in Santa Clarita cannot spill onto a neighbor's property: UDC § 17.51.050(D)(1)(b) requires every fixture to be 'directed downward to prevent off-site glare,' and a related standard bars lighting that disturbs the peace or comfort of adjoining uses unless it is screened or shielded from surrounding properties and streets.
Santa Clarita Light Trespass Standard
Some RestrictionsSanta Clarita, CA, Unified Development Code § 17.51.050(D)(1)(b)
1. General Requirements. a. Shielding. All lighting shall be directed downward and be of a cut-off design so the luminary and/or lens do not protrude below the luminary housing and is not visible from a public right-of-way. b. Light Trespass. Lighting may not illuminate other properties and shall be directed downward to prevent off-site glare. c. Appurtenances. Lighting shall be operated so tha...
Billboard Lighting
Santa Clarita caps digital billboard brightness at 0.3 foot candles above ambient light measured from 250 feet away, day or night. Nighttime output on top of that may not exceed 500 nits, rising to a 7,500-nit ceiling at all other times.
Santa Clarita Digital Billboard Brightness Limits
Some RestrictionsSanta Clarita, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.38.005(D)(7)(a)
a. Brightness. Digital-display faces must have a maximum brightness not to exceed 0.3 foot candles above ambient lighting from a distance of two hundred fifty (250) feet for both the daytime and nighttime condition. Brightness may not exceed five hundred (500) nits (candela per square meter) from sunset to sunrise. At all other times, brightness may not exceed seven thousand five hundred (7,500...
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Clarita city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Los Angeles County →