Dark Sky Rules: Citrus Heights vs Elk Grove
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Citrus Heights, CA and Elk Grove, CA?
Citrus Heights and Elk Grove have similar restriction levels.
Citrus Heights, CA
Sacramento County
Citrus Heights requires shielded, downward-directed outdoor lighting for new commercial and multifamily development to reduce glare and light pollution. Title 24 Part 6 (CA Energy Code) mandates efficient, cutoff luminaires. No formal Dark Sky ordinance exists.
View full Citrus Heights rules →Elk Grove, CA
Sacramento County
Elk Grove regulates outdoor lighting through Zoning Code Title 23 to minimize glare and light pollution. Non-residential and multifamily developments must use shielded fixtures and comply with Title 24 Part 6 exterior lighting standards.
View full Elk Grove rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Citrus Heights | Elk Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Ordinance | None (no IDA designation) | - |
| Fixture Type | Shielded, full-cutoff | - |
| State Code | Title 24 Part 6 | - |
| Commercial | Controls & BUG ratings | - |
| Spillover | Cannot cross property line | - |
| Code basis | - | EGMC Title 23 + Title 24 Part 6 |
| Lighting zone | - | LZ2 (typical) |
| Fixtures | - | Full-cutoff / shielded |
| Photometric plan | - | Required for commercial |
| IDA designation | - | None (not certified) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Citrus Heights FAQ
Is Citrus Heights a Dark Sky community?
Not an official IDA Dark Sky designation, but new development requires shielded lighting to minimize pollution and trespass.
Does my house need shielded lights?
Not strictly required on existing homes, but nuisance complaints from neighbors can still prompt enforcement if lighting trespasses significantly.
Elk Grove FAQ
Do residential homeowners need permits for outdoor lights?
Generally no for replacement fixtures, but the installation must meet electrical code and avoid light trespass onto neighbors.
Are unshielded floodlights allowed?
In residential zones, they are discouraged and subject to nuisance complaints; in commercial zones, full-cutoff shielding is required.
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