Outdoor Lighting in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Santa Cruz County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Dark Sky Rules

Santa Cruz County has no general dark-sky ordinance, but its zoning code requires shielded, downward-directed outdoor lighting for permitted non-retail commercial cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution sites. Section 13.10.650(B)(7) bans cultivation lighting visible from sunset to sunrise except for security, and requires a lighting plan with every cannabis permit application.

Santa Cruz County Cannabis Outdoor Lighting Rule

Some Restrictions

Santa Cruz County Code § 13.10.650(B)(7)

Outside Lighting. The application for a non-retail commercial cannabis use or development permit shall include plans for all outdoor lighting for review and approval. All outdoor lighting shall have the illumination directed downward or shielded so that glare is not projected onto adjacent properties or skyward. No lighting for cultivation purposes, except that necessary for security, shall be ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass & Shielding

Santa Cruz County requires off-street parking and circulation-area lighting for any development other than single-family homes to be directed onto the site and away from adjacent properties. Under SCCC Section 13.16.060(C), light sources cannot be visible from neighboring parcels, light standards are capped at 15 feet, and area lighting must meet state Green Building and Energy Code outdoor lighting rules.

Santa Cruz County Outdoor Lighting Trespass Rule

Some Restrictions

SCCC § 13.16.060(C)

(C) Lighting. Lighting design shall relate to the site and building design and reduce off-site impacts. (1) All site, building, security, and landscape lighting shall be directed onto the site and away from adjacent properties, so as not to cause annoying glare or illumination. Light sources shall not be visible from adjacent properties. Light sources can be shielded by landscaping, structure, ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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