Outdoor Lighting in Monterey County, CA (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Monterey County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Monterey County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Light Trespass & Shielding

Every new development in unincorporated Monterey County that adds exterior lighting must follow the county's Design Guidelines for Exterior Lighting, adopted under Section 21.63.020 to implement General Plan Policy LU-1.13. Fixtures must be unobtrusive, control off-site glare and light only the intended area, with the Director of Planning enforcing compliance before any construction permit is issued.

Monterey County Exterior Lighting Glare Limits

Some Restrictions

Monterey County Code § 21.63.020

21.63.020 - Design Guidelines for Exterior Lighting. A.The Board of Supervisors shall by resolution adopt, and may from time to time amend, design guidelines for exterior lighting, which shall be known as the Design Guidelines for Exterior Lighting. The purpose of these guidelines is to implement Policy LU-1.13 of the 2010 General Plan that requires exterior lighting to be unobtrusive, reduce o...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Outdoor Lighting by City in Monterey County

1 cities in Monterey County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

SalinasPop. 163,542

2 verified rules • Dark Sky Rules, Light Trespass & Shielding

All Monterey County ordinances

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