Dark Sky Rules: Monterey vs Salinas
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Monterey, CA and Salinas, CA?
Monterey and Salinas have similar restriction levels.
Monterey, CA
Monterey County
Monterey County General Plan Policy LU-1.13 requires all exterior lighting to be unobtrusive and located so only the intended area is illuminated, the long-range visibility of the light source is reduced, and off-site glare is fully controlled. The Board of Supervisors adopted Design Guidelines for Exterior Lighting (implemented through Title 21, Chapter 21.63) to protect night-sky views.
View full Monterey rules →Salinas, CA
Monterey County
Salinas regulates outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution and glare. Fully shielded fixtures required for new installations. Lighting must be directed downward and not trespass onto neighboring properties.
View full Salinas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Monterey | Salinas |
|---|---|---|
| Core policy | General Plan Policy LU-1.13 | - |
| Lighting standard | Unobtrusive; only intended area lit; off-site glare fully controlled | - |
| Design guidelines | Title 21, Chapter 21.63 | - |
| Protected resource | Night-sky views & sensitive viewsheds | - |
| Fixture practice | Downlit, shielded, dark-sky-compliant | - |
| Fixtures | - | Fully shielded required |
| Direction | - | Downward only |
| Color Temp | - | 3000K or below preferred |
| Topic | - | Dark Sky Rules |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Monterey FAQ
Does unincorporated Monterey County have dark-sky lighting rules?
Yes. General Plan Policy LU-1.13 requires exterior lighting to be unobtrusive, to illuminate only the intended area, to reduce long-range visibility of the source, and to fully control off-site glare. The county's Design Guidelines for Exterior Lighting (Chapter 21.63) implement this to protect night-sky views.
What kind of outdoor light fixtures does the county prefer?
Shielded, downward-directed (downlit) fixtures that light only the intended area and minimize glare. In visually sensitive areas, county review has favored warm-LED, dark-sky-compliant fixtures consistent with Policy LU-1.13.
Salinas FAQ
What does fully shielded mean?
The fixture must direct all light downward with no light emitted above the horizontal plane. This prevents glare and sky glow while still providing ground illumination.
Can my neighbor's lights shine into my yard?
Most codes prohibit light trespass onto neighboring properties. Contact Salinas code enforcement if outdoor lights from adjacent properties create a nuisance.
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