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

Lake County does not have a dedicated dark-sky or rural-lighting-district ordinance like some other California counties. The controlling rule is the General Performance Standard in Article 41, Section 41.8 (Glare and heat), which states that 'All exterior lighting accessory to any use shall be hooded, shielded or opaque. No unobstructed beam of light shall be directed beyond any exterior lot line,' with buildings and structures under construction exempt from the provision. This shielding-and-no-spill requirement functions as the County's de facto dark-sky and light-pollution control, applying countywide to all uses. In scenic areas around Clear Lake and other named features (Blue Lakes, Lake Pillsbury, Mt. Konocti, Anderson Marsh), the Scenic 'SC' Combining District (Article 34) adds view-protection performance standards intended to protect and enhance views of scenic areas, and limits illuminated signage — appurtenant signs in the SC district must be non-illuminated, or illuminated only during hours of business or operation. For signs generally, Section 45.26(b) of Article 45 requires that all lighted signs be located or shielded to prevent glare to surrounding properties or public streets. Together these provisions limit light trespass and glare without a separate numeric foot-candle standard.