Outdoor Lighting in Calaveras County, CA (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Calaveras County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Section 17.16.100 bans mercury vapor and low-pressure-sodium lighting countywide to protect the night sky, and caps every other outdoor fixture at 3,500 Kelvin, or 5,000 Kelvin for security lighting. The stated purpose is minimizing light pollution, glare, and light trespass in Calaveras County's rural communities.
Calaveras County Dark-Sky Outdoor Lighting Rules
Significant RestrictionsCalaveras County Code § 17.16.100
A.Purpose. ... The purpose of this section is to enhance the character of our communities and rural areas by minimizing light pollution, glare, and light trespass caused by inappropriate or misaligned light fixtures or luminaires. ... 3.Protect the ability to view the night sky by restricting unnecessary upward projections of light. ... C.Prohibitions. The following types of exterior lighting a...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Calaveras County caps outdoor light spilling onto neighboring property at 0.1 foot-candle at the property line, rising to one-quarter foot-candle between adjoining commercial or industrial parcels. Fixtures must be fully shielded or cut off, and no unobstructed beam may be directed off-site.
Calaveras County Light Trespass Limits
Some RestrictionsCalaveras County Code § 17.16.100.D
2.Maximum Light Levels at Property Lines. The light level at property lines shall not exceed 0.1 foot-candles, except as provided below or where allowed through the approval of a conditional use permit.a.Abutting or Within a Commercial or Industrial Zone. Where a property is located within a commercial or industrial zone and the neighboring property is located within a commercial or industrial ...
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