San Diego County's Light Pollution Code (LPC) minimizes light pollution to protect the Palomar and Mount Laguna observatories and the night environment. Three lighting zones with different restrictions. Fully shielded fixtures required. Limits on illumination levels.
The County's Light Pollution Code was adopted to minimize light pollution for the enjoyment of the night environment and to protect the Palomar and Mount Laguna observatories. The code establishes three geographic lighting zones with progressively stricter requirements closer to the observatories. Zone A (most restrictive, near observatories): lowest illumination levels, fully shielded fixtures required, limited lamp types. Zone B (moderate): standard residential and commercial requirements. Zone C (least restrictive): urban fringe areas. All outdoor lighting must be shielded to prevent direct upward light emission. Maximum illumination levels are specified for each zone. Timers or motion sensors recommended to reduce unnecessary lighting. Mercury vapor lamps are prohibited. The code applies to new installations and major renovations.
Light pollution code violations may result in citations and required fixture modifications. Persistent violations near observatories receive heightened enforcement.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
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