Garden Grove, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Garden Grove addresses outdoor lighting through its general zoning and development standards in Municipal Code Title 9 (Land Use). While Garden Grove does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance like those found in some rural communities, the city's zoning code includes provisions to control light spillover, glare, and excessive brightness from outdoor lighting on both residential and commercial properties. Residential outdoor lights, including security lights, landscape lighting, and decorative fixtures, should be directed downward and shielded to prevent light from shining directly onto neighboring properties. Excessively bright or poorly aimed lighting that creates a nuisance for neighbors may be addressed through code enforcement. New development and commercial projects are subject to more detailed lighting plan requirements during the planning review process, including photometric analysis and fixture specifications. The California Energy Code (Title 24) also sets standards for outdoor lighting power allowances and controls for new construction and major renovations.