Dark Sky Rules: Rialto vs Victorville
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Rialto, CA and Victorville, CA?
Victorville has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Development Code Section 83.07.040 and the 2022 Light Trespass Ordinance impose dark-sky standards in the Mountain and Desert Regions: fully shielded fixtures, a 0.1 foot-candle light-trespass limit, 3,000 Kelvin maximum color temperature, residential poles capped at 12 feet, and lights extinguished when no people are present (and by 11 p.m.).
View full Rialto rules →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
Victorville Municipal Code Title 17 requires shielded, downward-directed exterior lighting. Nearby desert astronomy and SCLA airport approaches favor low light pollution. LED color temperatures limited.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rialto | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| Light-trespass limit | 0.1 foot-candle (Mountain & Desert) | - |
| Color temperature | 3,000 Kelvin maximum (except seasonal) | - |
| Residential pole height | 12 feet maximum | - |
| Shutoff | When no one is present; by 11 p.m. | - |
| Recreation curfew | Private off 11 p.m.-sunrise; public off by 11 p.m. | - |
| Effective date | January 6, 2022 (Light Trespass Ordinance) | - |
| Shielding | - | Full-cutoff fixtures required |
| Color temp | - | 3000K or warmer recommended |
| Direction | - | Downward-directed only |
| Commercial timers | - | Photocell/timer controls |
| Airport concern | - | SCLA approach visibility |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rialto FAQ
What outdoor lighting is allowed in the mountain and desert areas of San Bernardino County?
Fixtures must be fully shielded, stay at or below 0.1 foot-candle of light trespass, and use 3,000 Kelvin or lower color temperature. Residential poles are capped at 12 feet, and lights must be off when no one is present, per Section 83.07.040 and the 2022 Light Trespass Ordinance.
When must outdoor recreation lights be turned off?
Section 83.07.040(c) prohibits illuminating private recreation facilities between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise, and public facilities only while in use, with lights off no later than 11:00 p.m. or one hour after the event ends, whichever is later.
Victorville FAQ
Are string lights in my backyard allowed?
Low-intensity decorative lights are generally allowed; avoid bright floodlights directed toward neighbors or skyward.
Can my porch light be a bare bulb?
Exposed bulbs are discouraged; shielded fixtures are preferred to reduce glare and light trespass.
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