Dark Sky Rules: Chino vs Fontana
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Fontana has fewer restrictions than Chino.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Development Code Section 83.07.040 and the 2022 Light Trespass Ordinance impose dark-sky standards in the Mountain and Desert Regions: fully shielded fixtures, a 0.1 foot-candle light-trespass limit, 3,000 Kelvin maximum color temperature, residential poles capped at 12 feet, and lights extinguished when no people are present (and by 11 p.m.).
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana regulates outdoor lighting under FMC Title 17 to limit glare and spillover. Commercial and industrial lighting must be shielded full-cutoff. There is no full Dark Sky ordinance citywide.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Light-trespass limit | 0.1 foot-candle (Mountain & Desert) | - |
| Color temperature | 3,000 Kelvin maximum (except seasonal) | - |
| Residential pole height | 12 feet maximum | - |
| Shutoff | When no one is present; by 11 p.m. | - |
| Recreation curfew | Private off 11 p.m.-sunrise; public off by 11 p.m. | - |
| Effective date | January 6, 2022 (Light Trespass Ordinance) | - |
| Governing Code | - | FMC Title 17 Development Code |
| Shielding | - | Full cutoff on commercial |
| Property-Line Max | - | 0.5 fc at residential |
| Pole Height | - | 18-25 ft typical |
| Color Temp | - | 3000K guidance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
What outdoor lighting is allowed in the mountain and desert areas of San Bernardino County?
Fixtures must be fully shielded, stay at or below 0.1 foot-candle of light trespass, and use 3,000 Kelvin or lower color temperature. Residential poles are capped at 12 feet, and lights must be off when no one is present, per Section 83.07.040 and the 2022 Light Trespass Ordinance.
When must outdoor recreation lights be turned off?
Section 83.07.040(c) prohibits illuminating private recreation facilities between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise, and public facilities only while in use, with lights off no later than 11:00 p.m. or one hour after the event ends, whichever is later.
Fontana FAQ
Does Fontana have a Dark Sky ordinance?
Not a full Dark Sky ordinance, but FMC Title 17 requires shielded, downward-directed lighting on commercial and industrial projects to limit glare and sky glow.
Can my Fontana neighbor keep a floodlight shining into my bedroom?
Persistent direct glare into another home can be a nuisance under FMC Title 9 and California Civil Code 3479. File a complaint with Code Enforcement and document the glare.
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