Plumas County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Despite its rural Sierra setting and naturally dark skies, unincorporated Plumas County does not currently have a formal 'dark sky' lighting ordinance comparable to those in some other California counties. The county's general lighting standard is set in Title 9, Chapter 2, Article 4, Sec. 9-2.411 (Lighting facilities), which provides that all lighting facilities shall be so installed as to focus away from adjoining properties. This is a directional/glare-control requirement aimed at protecting neighbors rather than a comprehensive shielding, lumen-cap, or color-temperature standard. Separately, new and newly altered (remodeled) residential construction must meet the current California Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24), which the county's Building Department applies and which include efficiency requirements for lighting. To protect dark skies voluntarily in mountain and ranch areas, the practical approach consistent with Sec. 9-2.411 is to use fully shielded, downward-directed fixtures, aim light onto your own property, use motion sensors and timers, and choose warmer color temperatures. Because the county standard is general, and because some areas may be subject to additional design review, confirm any project-specific lighting requirements with the Plumas County Planning and Building Departments before installing exterior lighting.