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

Municipal Code Sec. 086 states its purpose is to ensure new multi-unit and mixed-use lighting provides functional security while maintaining 'an environmentally sensitive and energy efficient nighttime environment that includes the ability to view the stars against a dark sky from residential and other appropriate viewing areas,' and to prevent ambient nighttime light from adversely impacting adjacent properties. Subsection B requires every development application to include a lighting plan showing the location and specifications of all exterior fixtures, covering streets, buildings, sidewalks, multi-use paths, parking lots, plazas and open space, reviewed for compliance during land use approval.

Pedestrian circulation areas, including street frontages, sidewalks, paths, parking lots, buildings and plazas, must be lit to a minimum of 2 foot-candles and a maximum of 3 foot-candles. Building entries for new multi-unit, retail, commercial, office and institutional buildings need a minimum 3 foot-candle level, with light sources shielded and fixtures mounted 6 to 12 feet high. Fixtures may not blink, flash or change color or intensity. 4 lumens per square meter next to non-residential property or public rights-of-way. Any permanent fixture emitting more than 900 lumens (equivalent to a 13-watt compact fluorescent or 60-watt incandescent bulb) must be shielded with an IESNA full cut-off style fixture with a cutoff angle not exceeding 90 degrees to curb glare onto neighboring property.