Dark Sky Rules: Mead Valley vs Palm Springs
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Mead Valley, CA and Palm Springs, CA?
Mead Valley and Palm Springs have similar restriction levels.
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 →Palm Springs, CA
Riverside County
Palm Springs has one of California's strongest dark-sky outdoor lighting ordinances under PSMC Chapter 93.21. All outdoor fixtures must be fully shielded with cutoff optics, use 3000K or lower color temperature LEDs, meet strict lumen caps per property, and avoid light trespass. The goal is to preserve views of Mt. San Jacinto, protect wildlife, and maintain the starry desert sky.
View full Palm Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mead Valley | Palm Springs |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.
Palm Springs FAQ
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