Dark Sky Rules: Courtland vs Folsom
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Courtland, CA and Folsom, CA?
Courtland and Folsom have similar restriction levels.
Courtland, CA
Sacramento County
Unincorporated Sacramento County has no comprehensive dark-sky ordinance for single-family homes. However, the Zoning Code requires full cut-off, shielded, downward-directed lighting for multifamily, commercial, and parking-area fixtures (Sec. 5.4.3, 5.9.4.G) to reduce light pollution and glare, referencing IESNA standards.
View full Courtland rules →Folsom, CA
Sacramento County
Folsom Municipal Code Title 17 requires outdoor lighting to be shielded and directed downward to reduce glare and light pollution. Lighting plans are required for new commercial development. No formal Dark Sky designation, but Folsom Lake SRA areas favor minimal lighting.
View full Folsom rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Courtland | Folsom |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive dark-sky ordinance | None for single-family homes | - |
| Multifamily/commercial fixtures | Full cut-off, fully shielded, downward-directed | - |
| Standard referenced | IESNA full cut-off definition | - |
| Parking-area lighting | No fixture may illuminate off-site (Sec. 5.9.4.G) | - |
| Timing controls | Timer/photocell, dusk-to-dawn operation (multifamily) | - |
| Code section | Zoning Code Sec. 5.4.3, 5.9.4.G | - |
| Code location | - | FMC Title 17 |
| Fixtures | - | Full-cutoff/shielded |
| Commercial | - | Photometric plan required |
| Sports lights | - | Curfew conditions |
| Dark Sky | - | No IDA designation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Courtland FAQ
Does unincorporated Sacramento County have a dark-sky ordinance?
Not a comprehensive one for single-family homes. The Zoning Code requires full cut-off, shielded, downward-aimed lighting for multifamily, commercial, and parking-area uses (Sections 5.4.3 and 5.9.4.G) to limit light pollution, referencing IESNA standards.
What lighting standard applies to a new apartment or commercial parking lot?
New fixtures must be full cut-off as defined by IESNA, fully shielded or recessed, and directed downward and away so that no fixture illuminates an area outside the site, per Sections 5.4.3 and 5.9.4.G.
Folsom FAQ
Do Folsom homeowners need a lighting plan?
No. Residential outdoor lighting does not require a photometric plan. However, fixtures cannot cause direct glare onto neighboring property or the public right-of-way.
Who enforces this in Folsom?
Folsom code enforcement at (916) 355-7285 handles most complaints.
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