Dark Sky Rules: Vacaville vs Vallejo
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Vacaville, CA and Vallejo, CA?
Vacaville and Vallejo have similar restriction levels.
Vacaville, CA
Solano County
Unincorporated Solano County has no comprehensive countywide dark-sky lighting ordinance. Instead, Chapter 28 imposes shielding and downcast lighting requirements on specific uses - exterior night lighting must be directed downward and inward, shielded, and aimed away from neighbors and roadways to prevent light pollution and glare.
View full Vacaville rules →Vallejo, CA
Solano County
Vallejo regulates outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution and glare. Fully shielded fixtures required for new installations. Lighting must be directed downward and not trespass onto neighboring properties.
View full Vallejo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Vacaville | Vallejo |
|---|---|---|
| Countywide dark-sky ordinance | None - use-specific standards instead | - |
| Direction | Downward and inward toward the site | Downward only |
| Shielding (events) | Lamp/reflector not visible off-site | - |
| General standard | Directed away from neighbors and roads | - |
| Glare | None detectable beyond property line/aircraft | - |
| Fixtures | - | Fully shielded required |
| Color Temp | - | 3000K or below preferred |
| Topic | - | Dark Sky Rules |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Vacaville FAQ
Does Solano County have a dark-sky lighting law?
There is no single countywide dark-sky ordinance for unincorporated areas. Instead, Chapter 28 requires shielded, downcast lighting for specific uses - directed downward and inward and away from neighbors and roads to prevent glare and a nuisance.
What lighting standard applies to my project?
Standards are applied per use through project review. Exterior lighting generally must be downcast, shielded, and directed away from adjacent properties and rights-of-way, with no glare detectable beyond the property line. Confirm conditions with Planning.
Vallejo FAQ
What does fully shielded mean?
The fixture must direct all light downward with no light emitted above the horizontal plane. This prevents glare and sky glow while still providing ground illumination.
Can my neighbor's lights shine into my yard?
Most codes prohibit light trespass onto neighboring properties. Contact Vallejo code enforcement if outdoor lights from adjacent properties create a nuisance.
Compare other topics
See how Vacaville and Vallejo compare on other ordinance categories.
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