Ventura County's Dark Sky (DKS) overlay zone under §8104-7.6 restricts outdoor lighting in designated rural areas including the Ojai Valley and Santa Monica Mountains. Requirements include full shielding, downward-directed lighting, maximum lumen limits, and warm color temperatures to protect the night sky.
The Dark Sky (DKS) overlay zone was established under §8104-7.6 to protect night sky quality in rural unincorporated areas. In DKS zones, all outdoor lighting must be fully shielded (no upward light emission) and directed downward. Security lights in agricultural zones (AE, RA, OS) are limited to 2,600 lumens maximum. New construction and major renovations must submit lighting plans demonstrating compliance. The Scenic Resource Protection (SRP) overlay zone requires discretionary projects to minimize glare and illumination of adjacent properties and the night sky. The Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridor (HCWC) overlay zone under §8104-7.7 adds additional requirements to minimize lighting impacts on wildlife.
Non-compliant lighting in DKS overlay zones must be corrected within the notice period. Failure to comply results in administrative citations through Code Compliance at (805) 654-2466. Building permits will not be issued for projects without compliant lighting plans in DKS zones.
Ventura County, CA
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