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

Highland Municipal Code § 16.40.160 is the City of Highland's outdoor lighting standard. It sits in the general development standards of Chapter 16.40, which § 16.40.010 says apply throughout the city, and § 16.40.020 applies them to new construction, new land uses, and substantial modification of an existing structure or land use. The core glare rule in subsection B.6 requires exterior lighting to be shielded or recessed so that direct glare and reflections are contained within the boundaries of the parcel. The purpose statement in subsection A names the conflict directly, noting that some people want the dark for sleeping, star-gazing, or privacy.

Homes get a specific mandate. Every single-family, duplex and triplex dwelling unit must have security lighting affixed to the exterior of each garage and above the exterior of each front and rear door. Those lights must be activated by motion sensors, installed a minimum of eight feet above grade, hard-wired into the electrical power source, shielded and directed away from surrounding residential uses, and they cannot blink, oscillate or be of unusually high intensity. Outdoor light poles within residential areas, except for street lighting, cannot exceed 12 feet in height and must be designed to project downward without creating glare on adjacent properties.

Other rules apply citywide. Parking areas of five or more spaces need an average of one-half foot-candle of illumination per square foot, and wiring for illumination must be underground. Between midnight and dawn, the code prohibits operating searchlights for advertising and illuminating outdoor public recreational facilities, unless a specific recreational activity requiring the lighting is already in progress. Parking lot lighting should not spill over to adjacent properties, and no glare should be visible from residential properties. No light can blink, flash, or be of unusually high intensity, and security lighting standards say to avoid mercury vapor. Departing from Tables 16.40.160.A, B and C requires justification by a certified lighting engineer, a photometric plan, and approval by the design review board.