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

Article 35 of the Escondido Municipal Code (Zoning Code Chapter 107) took effect February 6, 1987, and was last amended by Ordinance No. 2021-10 on October 27, 2021, specifically to minimize glare, light trespass, and artificial sky glow for residents and to protect astronomical research at Palomar Observatory, per Section 33-711. Under Section 33-713(a), any outdoor light fixture installed after the effective date on commercial, industrial, multifamily property with more than six units, or other nonresidential uses such as churches, day care centers and schools must use shielded low-pressure sodium, shielded narrow-spectrum amber LEDs, or another shielded fixture rated at 3,000 Kelvin CCT or less.

Fixtures within 100 feet of a signalized intersection must be shielded or directed so they do not interfere with the signal. and sunrise, with exceptions for active industrial or commercial work, ongoing recreation, and open-for-business signage. Section 33-714 exempts fixtures installed before February 6, 1987 unless 50% or more of a property's fixtures are replaced or added in a single year, fixtures under 4,050 lumens, fossil-fuel lamps such as kerosene lanterns, and government-owned facilities. Section 33-715 applies the most restrictive of city, state or federal law where they conflict, and Section 33-716 makes a willful violation an infraction citable under Section 1-17 of Chapter 1.