Dark Sky Rules: Camarillo vs Ventura
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Ventura, CA?
Camarillo and Ventura 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 →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura regulates outdoor lighting through its zoning code to minimize light pollution and glare. Exterior lighting on commercial and multi-family projects must be shielded and directed downward. The City's proximity to natural areas and the coast increases emphasis on limiting light pollution.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Overlay Zone | Dark Sky (DKS) per §8104-7.6 | - |
| Shielding | Full shielding required | Exterior lighting must be shielded/downward |
| Security Lights (Ag) | 2,600 lumens maximum | - |
| Direction | Downward-directed only | - |
| Coverage | Ojai Valley, Santa Monica Mountains | - |
| Glare | - | Must not project above horizontal plane |
| Design Review | - | Lighting plans required for new development |
| Residential | - | Must not create nuisance to neighbors |
| Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement (805) 654-7869 |
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.
Ventura FAQ
Are there dark sky rules in Ventura?
Ventura's zoning code requires exterior lighting on commercial and multi-family projects to be shielded and directed downward. Residential lighting must not create a nuisance to neighbors.
Can my neighbor's lights bother me?
Outdoor lighting that creates glare or spillover onto neighboring properties may be addressed through code enforcement. Contact (805) 654-7869 to report lighting nuisances.
Do I need a lighting plan for my project?
New commercial and multi-family development projects must submit lighting plans as part of the design review process. Contact Community Development for requirements.
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