Outdoor Lighting in Mendocino County, CA (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Mendocino County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Light Trespass & Shielding
In Mendocino County's Coastal Zone, exterior lighting must be shielded or aimed so no light or glare crosses onto a neighboring parcel under Section 20.504.035(A)(2). Fixtures also cannot exceed the zoning district's height limit or the height of the nearest building, whichever is less, and lights that distract motorists are barred outright.
Mendocino County Coastal Light Trespass Rule
Some RestrictionsMendocino County Code § 20.504.035(A)(2)
(A)Essential criteria for the development of night lighting for any purpose shall take into consideration the impact of light intrusion upon the sparsely developed region of the highly scenic coastal zone.(1)No light or light standard shall be erected in a manner that exceeds either the height limit designated in this Division for the zoning district in which the light is located or the height ...
Billboard Lighting
Mendocino County bans exposed light sources and flashing or moving lights on all signs, including the off-site billboards permitted in industrial and commercial zones, though signs showing time, temperature, or weather can flash.
Mendocino County Billboard Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsMendocino County Code Sec. 20.184.010(E),(F) (General Regulations - Lighting and Illumination of Displays)
(E)The regulations of this Chapter apply to all signs, including those that display commercial and non-commercial messages.(F)Lighting and illumination of displays.(1)Signs may be illuminated unless otherwise specified, provided such signs are so constructed that no light bulb, tube, filament or similar source of illumination is visible.(2)Signs making use of stroboscopic lights, rotary beacons...
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