Hanford, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Core rule
- Fixtures aimed/shielded, no skyward spill
- Residential zones
- Mercury vapor lamps fully shielded
- Commercial zones
- All fixtures fully shielded
- Height cap
- 18-50 ft by zone proximity
Summary
Hanford's zoning code requires outdoor light fixtures citywide to be aimed or shielded so they don't spill light skyward or across property lines, a dark-sky-style shielding standard.
All lights and light fixtures, except public street lights, shall be located, aimed or shielded so as to minimize light trespassing across property boundaries or skyward.
2. No lights or light fixtures shall flash, revolve, blink or otherwise resemble a traffic control signal or operate in such a fashion to create a hazard for passing traffic.
3. Building mounted lighting fixtures shall be attached only to the walls of the building. The top of a light fixture attached to a building wall shall not be higher than the top of the building parapet or the top of the roof eave, whichever is lower.
4. Canopy ceiling light fixtures shall be recessed or the sides of the lens area shall be shielded in order to eliminate emission of horizontal light.
5. The height of freestanding light fixtures including freestanding parking lot fixtures shall be measured from the top of a light fixture to the adjacent grade at the base of the support for that light fixture and shall not exceed the following:
a. Eighteen feet in height, when located within 50 feet of any residential zone district; and
b. Twenty-five feet in height when located within 51 to 150 feet of any residential zone district; and
c. Thirty feet in height when located more than 150 feet from any residential zone district; and
d.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873707; v4 updated 2026-03-17).
Full Breakdown
Hanford Municipal Code § 17.50.140(D)(1) requires that all lights and light fixtures, except public street lights, be located, aimed, or shielded to minimize light trespassing across property boundaries or skyward: the city's general shielding mandate for every zone district. Stricter shielding applies in specific zones: mercury vapor lamps in the R-L, R-M, R-H, and OR districts must be fully shielded fixtures under § 17.50.140(E)(1), and all outdoor fixtures in office, public-facility, and commercial/mixed-use zones must be fully shielded and focused to cut trespass and glare under § 17.50.140(F)(1). Freestanding fixtures also face height caps of 18 to 50 feet depending on proximity to residential zones.
Violations & Fines
Unshielded or improperly aimed fixtures violate § 17.50.140; commercial developments must submit lighting plans showing compliance, and the city can require re-aiming, re-shielding, or fixture replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hanford require shielded outdoor lights?
Are there different lighting rules for commercial buildings in Hanford?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hanford
California rules heatmap·Compare Hanford to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.