Dark Sky Rules: Santa Clara vs Sunnyvale
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Santa Clara, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Santa Clara and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara zoning requires shielded outdoor lighting to prevent glare and skyglow, with specific controls for commercial properties near residential zones.
View full Santa Clara 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 | Santa Clara | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | SCCC Title 18 zoning regulations | - |
| Shielding | Downward-directed fixtures required | - |
| Property Line | Typically 0.5 foot-candles max at residential boundary | - |
| State Law | Title 24 Part 6 energy caps apply | - |
| Contact | Planning Division (408) 615-2450 | - |
| 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.
Santa Clara FAQ
Are string lights in my backyard regulated?
Decorative residential lighting is generally allowed as long as it does not shine directly onto neighbors windows or create glare hazards.
Does Santa Clara have a dark sky ordinance?
Not a dedicated IDA-modeled ordinance, but shielding and spillover requirements apply through zoning review.
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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