Outdoor Lighting in Marin County, CA (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Marin County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Marin County's Development Code requires exterior lighting on any project that goes through Master Plan, Design Review, or Site Plan Review to stay low-wattage, point downward, and be shielded so it doesn't spill onto neighboring parcels. Section 22.16.030(G) limits off-site-visible fixtures to safety purposes only, and the Community Development Agency's Director signs off on placement before approval is final.
Marin County Shielded Lighting Rule for Reviewed Projects
Some RestrictionsMarin County Development Code § 22.16.030(G)
22.16.020 - Applicability. The provisions of this Chapter apply to proposed development subject to Master Plan, Design Review, and Site Plan Review, in addition to all other applicable provisions of this Development Code. ... G.Lighting, exterior. Exterior lighting visible from off-site should be allowed for safety purposes only, shall consist of low-wattage fixtures, and should be directed dow...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Unincorporated Marin County restricts exterior lighting visible from off-site to safety purposes only. Marin County Code of Ordinances § 22.16.030(G) requires low-wattage fixtures that are directed downward and shielded to prevent adverse lighting impacts on nearby properties, subject to Director approval, for any project subject to Master Plan, Design Review, or Site Plan Review.
Marin County Limits Exterior Lighting Spillover
Some RestrictionsMarin County Code of Ordinances § 22.16.030(G)
G.Lighting, exterior. Exterior lighting visible from off-site should be allowed for safety purposes only, shall consist of low-wattage fixtures, and should be directed downward and shielded to prevent adverse lighting impacts on nearby properties, subject to the approval of the Director.
Outdoor Lighting by City in Marin County
1 cities in Marin County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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