Security Light Shielding: Palo Alto vs Sunnyvale
How do security light shielding rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Palo Alto and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Title C outdoor-lighting standards require full-cutoff shielding on security and area lights to prevent glare and light trespass. The rules align with International Dark-Sky Association practice and limit upward and lateral light beyond property lines.
View full Palo Alto rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Title C outdoor-lighting standards require full-cutoff shielding on security and area lights to prevent glare and light trespass. The rules align with International Dark-Sky Association practice and limit upward and lateral light beyond property lines.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Required fixture | Full-cutoff shielding | Full-cutoff shielding |
| Color temperature | 3,000 kelvin maximum | 3,000 kelvin maximum |
| Hillside zones | Stricter dark-sky standards | Stricter dark-sky standards |
| Observatory | Mount Hamilton Lick protection | Mount Hamilton Lick protection |
| Code | SCC Title C outdoor lighting | SCC Title C outdoor lighting |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
Can I install a bright LED floodlight aimed at my back yard?
Yes if it is shielded so the light source is not visible from the property line and does not exceed the County's lumen limits. Aim must be downward, and motion-sensor activation is strongly preferred.
Are existing unshielded security lights grandfathered?
Existing fixtures may continue until they fail or are replaced, but neighbors can still file a light-trespass complaint under the County nuisance code if the fixture causes documented glare across the property line.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I install a bright LED floodlight aimed at my back yard?
Yes if it is shielded so the light source is not visible from the property line and does not exceed the County's lumen limits. Aim must be downward, and motion-sensor activation is strongly preferred.
Are existing unshielded security lights grandfathered?
Existing fixtures may continue until they fail or are replaced, but neighbors can still file a light-trespass complaint under the County nuisance code if the fixture causes documented glare across the property line.
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