Outdoor Lighting in Sunnyvale, CA (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Sunnyvale, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Sunnyvale requires every outdoor light, spotlight, floodlight and reflector to be shielded or fitted with special lenses so it cannot glare or shine directly onto a public street or neighboring property. Municipal Code § 19.42.050 also caps non-residential light standards inside the required setback area at eight feet tall wherever that setback abuts a residential zoning district.
Sunnyvale Outdoor Lighting Shielding Requirements
Some RestrictionsSunnyvale, CA Municipal Code § 19.42.050 (Lights - Restrictions), Chapter 19.42 Operating Standards
Lights, spotlights, floodlights, reflectors, and other means of illumination shall be shielded or equipped with special lenses in such a manner as to prevent any glare or direct illumination on any public street or other property. When adjacent to residential zoning districts, non-residential light standards located within the required setback areas as defined in Section 19.34.030 shall be a ma...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Sunnyvale requires illuminated signs next to residential areas to be shielded so light points downward and away from neighboring properties, with zero spillover onto adjacent land. Municipal Code § 19.44.150(i) also bars any sign from showing its bulb or light source past the property line and restricts residential-adjacent wall sign illumination to 7 a.m. through 10 p.m.
Sunnyvale Illuminated Sign Light Trespass Rule
Some RestrictionsSunnyvale, CA Municipal Code § 19.44.150(i) (Illumination), Chapter 19.44 Sign Code
Illumination. Permanent signs may be illuminated with continuous lighting, and can include neon tube lighting, external and internal lighting. No sign shall be illuminated so that the bulb or other primary source of the light is visible beyond the property line or in any way will cause excessive glare or brightness. Wall signs on side or rear elevations within one hundred fifty feet from any re...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sunnyvale city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Santa Clara County →