Bakersfield does not have a comprehensive dark sky ordinance. While Kern County has adopted some outdoor lighting standards, the City of Bakersfield's lighting regulations are primarily addressed through the zoning code for commercial and industrial development rather than a dedicated dark sky program.
Bakersfield's zoning code includes outdoor lighting standards for new commercial and industrial development to minimize glare and light spillover onto adjacent residential properties. These are standard development standards rather than a dark sky preservation program. Residential outdoor lighting is minimally regulated beyond nuisance provisions. The city is located in the San Joaquin Valley where agricultural and oil industry operations contribute to ambient light levels.
Commercial and industrial lighting that fails to meet zoning standards may be cited through code enforcement. Residential lighting that constitutes a nuisance to neighbors may be addressed under general nuisance provisions. There are no specific dark sky violation penalties.
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code 6.04.230 prohibits keeping any animal, bird, or fowl that by sound or cry unreasonably disturbs the peace or interferes with the c...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 9.22 prohibits any loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, or that causes discomfort...
Bakersfield, CA
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Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not restrict year-round lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) on residential property. There is no p...
Bakersfield, CA
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Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield's outdoor lighting standards exempt seasonal decorations as long as they are not in use for more than 60 consecutive days. Residential lots zoned...
See how Bakersfield's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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