Outdoor Lighting in Fresno County, CA (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Fresno County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Fresno County requires exterior lighting on private property to be directed downward and shielded so light and glare stay within the parcel, under Zoning Ordinance Section 820.3.080. Fixtures cannot exceed 150 watts, blink or flash, and light sources must be shielded so the bulb itself isn't visible from neighboring property.
Fresno County Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rules
Some RestrictionsFresno County Zoning Ordinance § 820.3.080
820.3.080 - Exterior Light and Glare A. Exterior lighting. 1. Exterior lighting shall be: a. Directed downward and shielded so that all direct light and glare is confined within the boundaries of the subject parcel, thereby minimizing off-site glare; b. Installed so that lights do not blink, flash, or be of unusually high intensity or brightness; and c. Appropriate in height, intensity, and s...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Fresno County limits how much light a property owner can throw onto a neighbor's land under Zoning Ordinance Section 820.3.080. Indirect illumination of abutting properties cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles, and lighted areas cannot exceed seven foot-candles or a seven-foot overlap between pedestrian light patterns.
Fresno County Light Trespass Limits
Some RestrictionsFresno County Zoning Ordinance § 820.3.080(A)(2)(b)
820.3.080 - Exterior Light and Glare A. Exterior lighting. 2. Exterior lighting shall not: a. Exceed 150 watts or directly illuminate or be visible from abutting properties. b. Result in: (1) Indirect illumination of abutting properties in excess of 0.5-foot candles; (2) A point of overlap between light patterns greater than seven feet for pedestrian lighting systems; or (3) An intensity of l...
Billboard Lighting
Fresno County caps how billboard and sign lighting may be aimed: illumination must concentrate on the sign face itself and minimize glare onto streets or neighboring parcels, under Zoning Ordinance Section 830.3.080(B).
Fresno County Billboard Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsFresno County Zoning Ordinance § 830.3.080(B)
B. Lighting, sound, and movement restrictions. 1. No sign shall endanger the health and safety of operators of motor vehicles on the streets or highways. 2. Lights used to illuminate signs shall be so installed as to concentrate the illumination on the sign and so as to minimize glare upon a public street or abutting property. 3. No sign shall be erected at the intersec...
Outdoor Lighting by City in Fresno County
2 cities in Fresno County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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