Moreno Valley lies within the Mt Palomar Observatory light pollution zone governed by Riverside County Ordinance 655, requiring low-pressure sodium or filtered LED fixtures with full shielding for most outdoor lighting installations.
All of Riverside County, including incorporated cities like Moreno Valley that adopted the standard, lies within a 45-mile protection radius of the Mt Palomar Observatory and is regulated under Riverside County Ordinance 655 (the Mt Palomar Light Pollution Ordinance). The ordinance classifies lighting into two zones: Zone A (inner 15 miles, strictest) and Zone B (15-45 miles). Moreno Valley falls in Zone B. Outdoor lighting must use low pressure sodium (LPS), specifically filtered LED (CCT 3000K or lower with amber filtering), or other approved narrow-spectrum sources for most uses. Fixtures must be fully shielded so the light source is not visible above a horizontal plane through the fixture (full cutoff). Decorative, landscape accent, and incidental lighting under certain lumen thresholds are exempt. New commercial and residential construction must include a lighting plan demonstrating Ord. 655 compliance at the building permit stage. Temporary holiday lighting is exempt if operated only seasonally.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Moreno Valley code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Moreno Valley, CA
Amplified music in Moreno Valley must stop at 10 PM weekdays and 11 PM weekends, measured plainly audible at the neighbor property line.
Moreno Valley, CA
Vehicles left on public streets for more than 72 hours without moving may be tagged and towed under California Vehicle Code section 22669. Inoperable, wrecke...
Moreno Valley, CA
Livestock such as horses, goats, sheep, and cattle are allowed only in Rural Residential and Agricultural zones in Moreno Valley, subject to minimum lot size...
Moreno Valley, CA
Moreno Valley has VHFHSZ along Box Springs Mountain and the Badlands. Chapter 7A and AB 38 disclosures apply to homes in these mapped fire zones.
Moreno Valley, CA
Moreno Valley does not regulate residential lawn ornaments, statuary, religious items, or seasonal yard decor by ordinance. The only city-level limits are si...
Moreno Valley, CA
Moreno Valley has no ordinance specifically governing residential inflatable holiday displays. Setup is subject only to general standards - electrical safety...
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