Dark Sky Rules: Corona vs Mead Valley
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Corona, CA and Mead Valley, CA?
Corona has fewer restrictions than Mead Valley.
Corona, CA
Riverside County
Corona Municipal Code Chapter 17.36 (Outdoor Lighting) and Title 17 zoning standards require shielded, downward-directed exterior lighting on commercial and multifamily properties to minimize light pollution and glare. Corona is not a designated Dark Sky community, but lighting must not trespass onto adjacent residential properties.
View full Corona rules →Mead Valley, CA
Riverside County
Riverside County Ordinance No. 655 restricts outdoor lighting to protect Palomar Observatory. It defines Zone A (within 15 miles of the observatory) and Zone B (15-45 miles). Many lamp types must be low-pressure sodium or fully shielded, and decorative and certain other lighting must be off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise.
View full Mead Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Corona | Mead Valley |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Governing ordinance | - | Riverside County Ord. No. 655 (light pollution) |
| Zone A | - | Within 15-mile radius of Palomar Observatory (Sec. 4.H) |
| Zone B | - | 15-45 miles from the observatory (Sec. 4.I) |
| Preferred lamp | - | Low-pressure sodium; many other lamps must be fully shielded |
| Curfew | - | Class I & III lighting off 11:00 p.m. to sunrise (Sec. 8) |
| Exemptions | - | Pre-existing fixtures, holiday lights; temp permits ~45 days/yr (Sec. 9-10) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Corona FAQ
Mead Valley FAQ
Why does Riverside County restrict outdoor lighting?
Ordinance 655 protects night-sky observation at Palomar Observatory. It limits light that escapes upward, favoring low-pressure sodium lamps and shielded fixtures within 45 miles of the observatory (Zones A and B).
Do I have to turn off my decorative lights at night?
Yes. Class III decorative lighting and Class I general lighting must be off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise (Sec. 8), with limited exceptions. Class II parking/security lighting may remain on all night.
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