Outdoor Lighting in Santa Clara County, CA (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Santa Clara County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Light Trespass & Shielding

Unincorporated Santa Clara County requires security lighting on accessory wind energy towers to sit no higher than 12 feet, face downward, and be fully shielded.

Santa Clara County Wind Tower Security Lights

Some Restrictions

Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance § 4.20.020(M)(2)(f)

Lighting. Tower structure lighting shall be for security and aviation safety purposes only. Fixtures for security lighting shall be mounted no higher than 12 feet above grade, and shall be downward facing and properly shielded. Lighting for aviation safety purposes shall be limited to that required by federal law or regulation.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Outdoor Lighting by City in Santa Clara County

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

San JosePop. 1,013,240

2 verified rules • Billboard Lighting, Light Trespass & Shielding

SunnyvalePop. 155,805

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

Santa ClaraPop. 127,647

3 verified rules • Billboard Lighting, Dark Sky Rules

Mountain ViewPop. 82,376

1 verified rule • Light Trespass & Shielding

All Santa Clara County ordinances

See every category we cover for Santa Clara County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Santa Clara County Ordinance Hub →