Dark Sky Rules: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do dark sky rules rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Sunnyvale has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose enforces a low-pressure sodium-preferred outdoor lighting ordinance to protect Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton. All new fixtures must be fully shielded, and color temperature is capped at 2700K in observatory-proximate zones. Non-essential lighting must extinguish by 11:00 PM.
View full San Jose rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale limits outdoor lighting glare and spill through SMC Title 19 and Title 24 Part 6. Fixtures in residential zones must be shielded and not spill onto adjacent properties.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code basis | - | Title 19 + Title 24 Part 6 |
| Fixture type | - | Full-cutoff/hooded |
| Commercial curfew | - | Typically 10 pm - 6 am |
| Holiday lights | - | Usually exempt |
| Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need to replace existing lights?
Existing fixtures are grandfathered unless replaced. Permit applications for tenant improvement or remodel trigger full compliance review.
Are holiday lights exempt?
Yes. Seasonal decorative lighting is exempt November 15 to January 15 if pointed downward and not aimed at the sky.
What's the color temperature limit?
2700K in the Mount Hamilton Lighting Zone closest to Lick Observatory; 3000K elsewhere in San Jose.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I install bright floodlights in my yard?
Only if shielded so light does not spill beyond the property line and meets Title 24 lumen limits.
Are seasonal lights regulated?
Temporary holiday lighting is generally allowed if used for a reasonable seasonal period.
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