Dark Sky Rules: San Leandro vs Sunol
How do dark sky rules rules compare between San Leandro, CA and Sunol, CA?
San Leandro and Sunol have similar restriction levels.
San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro zoning code requires shielded outdoor lighting in residential zones. No formal Dark Sky ordinance but spill/glare onto neighbors prohibited.
View full San Leandro rules →Sunol, CA
Alameda County
East Alameda County supports dark sky preservation near Lick Observatory. Title 17 requires shielded full-cutoff fixtures in rural and hillside zones, stricter near the observatory influence area.
View full Sunol rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Leandro | Sunol |
|---|---|---|
| Shielding | Required residential | - |
| Design review | Commercial/MFR | - |
| Property line | ~0.5 fc max | - |
| IDA ordinance | None formal | - |
| Security light | Motion/timer preferred | - |
| Observatory context | - | Lick Observatory influence |
| Fixture standard | - | Full-cutoff, no uplight |
| Color temperature | - | 2700K or lower preferred |
| Curfew | - | Typical 10-11 PM for non-essential |
| Stricter in | - | Rural and hillside zones |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Leandro FAQ
Is my floodlight legal?
Yes if shielded and not shining onto neighbors. Bare bulb glare may trigger a nuisance complaint.
Are commercial lots required to turn off lights at night?
Not blanket, but dark sky principles in design review often require lighting curfews or dimming.
Sunol FAQ
Does Alameda County require dark sky lighting everywhere?
No. Urban areas like Oakland and Hayward have less restrictive standards. Rural unincorporated areas near Sunol and Livermore have enhanced dark sky rules due to Lick Observatory proximity.
Are holiday lights allowed?
Yes, seasonal decorative lighting is typically exempt, though most dark sky ordinances encourage turning decorative lights off by 11 PM.
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See how San Leandro and Sunol compare on other ordinance categories.
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