Dark Sky Rules: Citrus Heights vs Rancho Cordova
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Citrus Heights, CA and Rancho Cordova, CA?
Citrus Heights and Rancho Cordova 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 →Rancho Cordova, CA
Sacramento County
Rancho Cordova outdoor lighting must be shielded and directed downward to minimize light pollution. The city zoning code requires cutoff fixtures for commercial and new residential development.
View full Rancho Cordova rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Citrus Heights | Rancho Cordova |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Ordinance | None (no IDA designation) | - |
| Fixture Type | Shielded, full-cutoff | - |
| State Code | Title 24 Part 6 | Title 24 Part 6 |
| Commercial | Controls & BUG ratings | IES shielded mandatory |
| Spillover | Cannot cross property line | - |
| Fixtures | - | Full cutoff required |
| Lighting Zone | - | LZ3 typical |
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.
Rancho Cordova FAQ
Can I use flood lights to illuminate my yard?
Yes, but they must be shielded so the light source is not visible beyond your property line and should be aimed downward.
Who enforces this in Rancho Cordova?
Rancho Cordova code enforcement at (916) 851-8800 handles most complaints.
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