Dark Sky Rules: San Bernardino vs Victorville
How do dark sky rules rules compare between San Bernardino, CA and Victorville, CA?
San Bernardino and Victorville have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | San Bernardino | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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