Outdoor Lighting in San Mateo County, CA (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in San Mateo County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Development in unincorporated North Fair Oaks' CMU-1 commercial district must use dark-sky-compliant lighting confined to the property, and flood lights are banned absent a safety justification.
San Mateo County CMU-1 Dark-Sky Lighting
Some RestrictionsSan Mateo County Zoning Code § 8.118.070(2)
2. Lighting. All exterior and interior lighting shall be dark-sky compliant and designed and located so that direct rays and glare are confined to the premises, with the exception of lighting on the front building façade which may light the public sidewalk. Flood lights shall be prohibited, unless an applicant demonstrates to the ...
Light Trespass & Shielding
In the unincorporated Midcoast (El Granada, Miramar, Moss Beach, Montara), county design review rules require new home exterior lighting to be directed away from neighbors and confined to the site.
San Mateo County Midcoast Outdoor Lighting Rule
Some RestrictionsSan Mateo County Zoning Regulations § 8.256.200(F)(4)(b)
b. All exterior, landscape and site lighting shall be designed and located so that light and glare are directed away from neighbors and confined to the site. Low-level lighting directed toward the ground is encouraged. c. Exterior lighting should be minimized and designed with a specific activity in mind so that outdoor areas will be illumin...
Outdoor Lighting by City in San Mateo County
1 cities in San Mateo County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All San Mateo County ordinances
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