Fresno's Development Code under FMC Chapter 15 includes outdoor lighting standards that address light pollution and glare. While Fresno does not have a standalone dark-sky ordinance, the Development Code requires exterior lighting to be shielded and directed downward to minimize light trespass and sky glow. New development and major renovations must submit lighting plans demonstrating compliance with these standards.
The Development Code requires that exterior lighting fixtures be fully shielded (full-cutoff) for commercial, industrial, and multi-family development. Parking lot lighting must use fixtures that prevent light from spilling beyond property boundaries. The City's location in the San Joaquin Valley, away from major coastal light sources, provides relatively good astronomical viewing when local light pollution is controlled. Residential exterior lighting is less strictly regulated but must not create a nuisance for neighbors.
Non-compliant lighting on new development projects will not receive final inspection approval. Existing lighting that creates a documented nuisance may be subject to code enforcement action.
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not regulate decorative lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round yard decorations on private property. Property maintenance standards in FMC Chapt...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not specifically regulate residential inflatable holiday displays. There is no size cap, lighting curfew, or fan-noise limit specific to inflatab...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday light displays. Display dates, brightness, and decorative content are not regulated ...
Fresno, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Fresno require building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits under FMC Chapter 11 (Building Regulations), which adopts the Cal...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating backyard smokers or wood-fired ovens by time of day. Use is governed by the general nuisance provisions ...
Fresno, CA
Fresno enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in FMC Chapter 10, Article 5 (Fire Prevention). Under CFC §308.1.4 (the California amended version ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fresno County.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle dark sky rules.
See how Fresno's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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