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

Brentwood does not have a formal 'Dark Sky' certification but includes dark-sky-aligned provisions in its zoning code and design guidelines. New commercial, industrial, multifamily, and subdivision development is subject to lighting plans that require: full-cutoff or shielded fixtures that direct light downward, maximum correlated color temperatures (often 3,000K or lower) to reduce blue light, limits on light levels at property lines (commonly 0.1 foot-candles at residential boundaries), and pole-height limits (typically 25–30 feet for parking lots). Residential lighting is less formally regulated but must not create a nuisance; excessively bright or unshielded fixtures that shine directly into neighboring bedrooms can be cited under the general nuisance provisions of the municipal code. Sports field lighting, sign illumination, and façade lighting are subject to additional standards, including shut-off times (often 10 or 11 p.m. except for safety lighting). The California Title 24 energy code also limits outdoor lighting power densities and requires motion sensors or automatic controls for many fixtures. Homeowners adding security lighting should select shielded, warm-color fixtures with motion sensors to comply with both neighborly norms and energy requirements. The city's Planning Division reviews lighting plans during design review and conditional use permits.