Manteca, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MMC § 17.50.060(C)
- Fixtures over 6 ft
- 60-degree shielding cone max
- Stated purpose
- preserve dark skies, § 17.50.010
- Whole-building lighting
- banned, § 17.50.050(D)
Summary
Manteca requires outdoor fixtures over 6 feet tall to be fully shielded and aimed within a 60-degree downward cone, the shielding mechanism the Chapter uses to preserve dark skies citywide.
Shielding. Except as otherwise exempt, all outdoor lighting shall be constructed with full shielding and/or recessed to reduce light trespass to adjoining properties. Each fixture shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way, so that no light fixture directly illuminates an area outside of the site. Fixtures located higher than 6 feet above the ground shall have shielding that limits to angle of the cone of direct illumination to 60 degrees or less. FIGURE 17.50.060-1: SHIELDING PROVISIONS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING
* Outdoor lighting shall be constructed with full shielding and/or recessed to reduce light trespass to adjoining properties.
D. Level of Illumination. Outdoor lighting shall be designed to illuminate at the minimum level necessary for safety and security and to avoid the harsh contrasts in lighting levels between the project site and adjacent properties. Illumination standards are as follows:
1. Parking lots, driveways, trash enclosures/areas, public phones, and group mailboxes shall be illuminated with a minimum maintained 1 foot-candle of light and an average not to exceed 4 footcandles of light. The illumination shall not exceed 10 foot-candles in any one location.
2. Pedestrian walkways shall be illuminated with a minimum maintained 0.5 foot-candle of light and an average not to exceed 2 foot-candles of light.
3.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).
Full Breakdown
The Lighting Chapter's stated purpose in Manteca Municipal Code § 17.50.010 is to balance safety and security lighting with the City's desire to preserve dark skies. Section 17.50.060(C) supplies the operative shielding rule: except where exempt, outdoor lighting must be fully shielded and/or recessed, each fixture directed downward and away from adjoining properties and rights-of-way so no fixture directly illuminates an area outside the site, and any fixture mounted higher than 6 feet must be shielded so its cone of direct illumination is 60 degrees or less. Whole-building illumination and roof-mounted lighting (except for security) are separately banned under § 17.50.050.
Violations & Fines
Unshielded fixtures, or ones aimed beyond the 60-degree cone, can be rejected at Site Plan and Design Review, or ordered retrofitted if an existing installation has a measurable impact on neighboring property or the street right-of-way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Manteca require shielded outdoor lights?
Why does Manteca regulate outdoor lighting shielding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manteca
California rules heatmap·Compare Manteca to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle dark sky rules.