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

Tehama County's Title 17 zoning code does not contain a general dark-sky or outdoor-lighting ordinance applicable to all properties in the unincorporated area. The only lighting standards in the zoning code are tied to specific discretionary or ministerial permits. Most notably, Section 17.81.060(M), within the Administrative Permit standards for agriculture-tourism uses, requires that any new exterior lighting installed for a permitted use or activity be designed to illuminate the immediate vicinity and not be visible off-site. Section 17.81.060(E) further provides that an agritourism use immediately adjacent to a commercial poultry operation generally may have no exterior lights except as minimally necessary for public safety. For communication facilities, lighting and screening conditions can be imposed through the use-permit process under Chapters 17.70 and 17.71. Outside of those permit-specific conditions, the County does not impose lumen caps, full-cutoff fixture requirements, or curfews on residential or agricultural lighting. California does not impose a statewide dark-sky standard on private residential lighting, though state energy (Title 24) standards regulate outdoor lighting efficiency for certain new construction. Because Tehama County is rural and values its dark night skies, property owners are encouraged to use shielded, downward-directed fixtures, but this is generally a best practice rather than a mandated rule. Confirm any conditions tied to your specific permit with the Planning Department.