Indio, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Max color temp
- 3,000 Kelvin
- Standard
- International Dark-Sky Association
- Applies to
- new development & fixture replacements
- Governing section
- UDC § 3.02.11(D)(1)
Summary
New outdoor lighting and exterior fixture replacements in Indio can't exceed 3,000 Kelvin color temperature, matching International Dark-Sky Association guidance for reducing sky glow.
Dark-Sky Compliance. In accordance with the International Dark-Sky Association recommendations, the color temperature of outdoor lighting shall not exceed 3,000 Kelvins.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4796010; v13 updated 2026-02-04; through 02-04-2026).
Full Breakdown
Indio's Unified Development Code applies dark-sky standards to outdoor lighting installed with new development and to exterior alterations that replace light fixtures or systems. Section 3.02.11(D)(1) sets the ceiling at 3,000 Kelvin, following International Dark-Sky Association recommendations, and pairs it with fixture-type rules requiring full cutoff or cutoff luminaires and height caps of 16 to 25 feet depending on the zone. Existing single-family homes aren't required to submit a lighting plan, but the color-temperature limit applies whenever covered lighting work is performed.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant fixtures are caught at plan check or permit review since a certified lighting plan is required for covered projects; installing lighting above 3,000 Kelvin without approval risks plan rejection or a code-enforcement correction order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the brightest color temperature allowed for outdoor lights in Indio?
Does the Kelvin limit apply to my existing house lights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indio
California rules heatmap·Compare Indio to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle dark sky rules.