Elk Grove, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielding
- full shielding, hidden from dwellings
- Max height near residential
- 20 feet
- Max height, multifamily lighting
- 14 feet
- Max height, other fixtures
- 30 feet
- Bulb life
- minimum 10,000 hours
- Auto-off hours
- 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Summary
New multifamily and nonresidential development in Elk Grove must use fully shielded outdoor light fixtures so the light source is not visible from inside any residential unit. EGMC § 23.56.030 also caps fixture height, requires energy-efficient bulbs, and forces most outdoor lights off between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless tied to business hours or security.
Shielding Required. Except as otherwise exempt, all multifamily and nonresidential outdoor lighting shall be constructed with full shielding. Where the light source from an outdoor light fixture is visible beyond the property line, shielding shall be required to reduce glare so that the light source is not visible from within any residential dwelling unit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4937385; v2 updated 2026-05-13; through 05-13-2026).
Full Breakdown
56 governs outdoor lighting for new multifamily and nonresidential projects citywide. " A photometric plan showing the number, type, height, and illumination level of every fixture must accompany the development permit application before a building permit or site improvement plans are issued. 030(C): freestanding fixtures next to residential, agricultural-residential, or agricultural property may not exceed 20 feet, multifamily lighting is capped at 14 feet, and all other freestanding fixtures max out at 30 feet, though the approving authority can grant an exception with negligible glare impact on neighbors.
Subsection (D) requires every new fixture to use bulbs rated for at least 10,000 hours of average life. , with exceptions for lighting tied to a business's operating hours, flag illumination, and security lighting such as pathway or entry lights. Sports field and outdoor performance lighting is reviewed case by case and must go dark within one hour after an event ends. "
Violations & Fines
Elk Grove's Community Development Department reviews lighting plans at the permit stage under § 23.56.030(B), and a project that installs unshielded or oversized fixtures without an approved photometric plan is out of compliance with its development permit. Because any EGMC violation is also a public nuisance under § 1.04.050, the City can pursue it as an infraction, with fines of $100, $200, and $500 for successive violations within 12 months under § 1.04.030, or prosecute repeat offenses as a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Elk Grove homes have to shield outdoor lights?
How tall can a parking lot light pole be in Elk Grove?
When must outdoor lights turn off?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elk Grove
California rules heatmap·Compare Elk Grove to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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