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πŸ’‘ Outdoor Lighting/Dark Sky Rules

Dark Sky Rules: Brentwood vs Martinez

How do dark sky rules rules compare between Brentwood, CA and Martinez, CA?

Brentwood and Martinez have similar restriction levels.

Brentwood, CA

Contra Costa County

Some Restrictions

Brentwood's zoning and development standards include outdoor lighting requirements aimed at minimizing light pollution and glare into neighboring properties and the night sky. Fixtures on new development must generally be full-cutoff or shielded, and light trespass onto adjacent residential lots is limited.

View full Brentwood rules β†’

Martinez, CA

Contra Costa County

Some Restrictions

Unincorporated Contra Costa County regulates outdoor lighting through Ordinance Code Title 8 zoning provisions and CEQA review, with stricter standards near Mt. Diablo and in rural residential areas. No comprehensive county-wide dark-sky ordinance, but shielded fixtures are commonly required.

View full Martinez rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactBrentwoodMartinez
--
Governing code-Ord. Code Title 8 + Title 24 Part 6
Commercial standard-Shielded, downward-directed fixtures required
Sensitive areas-Mt. Diablo vicinity, Morgan Territory, Los Vaqueros
Residential rule-Must not cause nuisance to neighbors
Best practice-Full-cutoff IDA-compliant fixtures

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Brentwood FAQ

Martinez FAQ

Does CCC have a dark-sky ordinance?

Not a single comprehensive one, but Title 8 zoning and CEQA review impose shielding and directional requirements for most non-residential projects, particularly in rural and open-space-adjacent areas.

My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom. What can I do?

Document the impact and contact CCC Code Enforcement. Unshielded lighting creating a nuisance can be cited under zoning code. Many disputes resolve after a courtesy letter from the County.

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