Dark Sky Rules: Fontana vs San Bernardino
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Fontana, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Fontana and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino Development Code requires shielded, downward-directed outdoor lighting to minimize glare and light pollution. Mountain-area overlays near Crestline and Lake Arrowhead follow stricter dark-sky standards.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Fixture Standard | - | Fully shielded, downward |
| Commercial Max | - | Typical 4.0 footcandles |
| Color Temp Cap | - | 3000 K typical |
| Mountain Overlay | - | 2700 K full cut-off |
| Sign Hours | - | Business hours plus 1 hour |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I install a bright backyard flood light in San Bernardino?
Residential flood lights must be shielded to prevent direct glare onto neighbors or streets. Consider motion-activated fixtures with warm color temperature (under 3000 K) and aiming the beam downward at 45 degrees or steeper.
Does San Bernardino have dark-sky protections like Lake Arrowhead?
City outdoor lighting rules are less strict than the mountain overlays in Crestline and Lake Arrowhead, but commercial lighting in San Bernardino is still required to be shielded and downward-directed. Dark-sky overlays apply mainly to the mountain communities.
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