Dark Sky Rules: Camarillo vs Santa Paula
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Santa Paula, CA?
Camarillo and Santa Paula have similar restriction levels.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
Ventura County's Dark Sky (DKS) overlay zone under §8104-7.6 restricts outdoor lighting in designated rural areas including the Ojai Valley and Santa Monica Mountains. Requirements include full shielding, downward-directed lighting, maximum lumen limits, and warm color temperatures to protect the night sky.
View full Camarillo rules →Santa Paula, CA
Ventura County
Santa Paula follows Ventura County's outdoor lighting standards, which require shielded fixtures to minimize light pollution and glare. New development must use fully shielded, downward-directed lighting. The agricultural and rural character of the area supports dark-sky preservation.
View full Santa Paula rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Santa Paula |
|---|---|---|
| Overlay Zone | Dark Sky (DKS) per §8104-7.6 | - |
| Shielding | Full shielding required | - |
| Security Lights (Ag) | 2,600 lumens maximum | - |
| Direction | Downward-directed only | - |
| Coverage | Ojai Valley, Santa Monica Mountains | - |
| Fixture Standard | - | Fully shielded, downward-directed |
| Property Line Max | - | 0.5 foot-candles residential |
| New Development | - | Must comply with lighting standards |
| Airport | - | Special requirements near SZP |
| Holiday Lights | - | Generally exempt |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
Does Ventura County have dark sky rules?
Yes. The Dark Sky (DKS) overlay zone under §8104-7.6 restricts outdoor lighting in rural areas including the Ojai Valley and parts of the Santa Monica Mountains. Full shielding and downward direction are required.
Am I in the Dark Sky overlay zone?
Check with the Planning Division at (805) 654-2488 or review overlay zone maps on planning.lacounty.gov. The DKS zone primarily covers rural areas in the Ojai Valley and Santa Monica Mountains.
What are the lighting requirements in DKS zones?
All outdoor lighting must be fully shielded with no upward emission, directed downward, and within maximum lumen limits. Security lights in agricultural zones are capped at 2,600 lumens.
Santa Paula FAQ
Does Santa Paula have dark sky rules?
Santa Paula requires fully shielded, downward-directed outdoor lighting for new development. Light at property lines must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles in residential zones.
Can I have bright security lights on my property?
Security lighting must be aimed downward and shielded to prevent glare onto neighboring properties and streets. Motion-activated lights are recommended.
Are holiday lights exempt?
Temporary decorative and holiday lights are generally exempt from dark sky standards but should still be considerate of neighbors.
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