Alameda, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Adopted as part of AMC Section 30-5.16 (Performance Standards), Alameda's Dark Skies ordinance is intended to allow adequate illumination for safety, security, utility, and enjoyment of outdoor areas; prevent excessive light and glare on public roadways and private property; minimize artificial light harmful to human health, the environment, and astronomy; and minimize light that can disorient migrating and local birds. Key standards: (1) Shielding - all exterior lighting fixtures shall be fully shielded and lighting shall be directed downward, with narrow exceptions for low-voltage landscape lighting (under 60 watts or 12-watt LED, max 750 lumens), limited architectural/public-art uplighting, and historic or historical-appearance fixtures (which need not be fully shielded, as determined by the Planning Director). (2) Color temperature - all LED light sources shall have a maintained correlated color temperature within 2,700-3,000 Kelvin. (3) Light trespass - exterior lighting shall be directed downward and away from property lines, and no light or combination of lights shall cast more than 1 foot-candle onto an adjacent or nearby property. The ordinance also prohibits new mercury-vapor fixtures, searchlights, aerial lasers, and very high-intensity sources, and requires motion-sensor controls on higher-output security lights. Standards apply to new exterior lighting and to additions/replacements requiring a building or electrical permit.