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

Outdoor lighting in Oakley is governed by Municipal Code Title 9 zoning standards and Title 24 Part 6 (California Energy Code) for non-residential outdoor lighting efficiency. Residential lighting generally must be directed downward and shielded such that the light source is not directly visible from neighboring properties or public rights-of-way. Typical standards limit light trespass to 0.1–0.5 foot-candles measured at the adjacent residential property line. Commercial and multi-family projects submit photometric plans with isolux contours demonstrating compliance and must use full-cutoff (IES Type U0) fixtures. Correlated color temperature is commonly capped at 3000 K to reduce blue-light pollution and circadian disruption. Security lighting operated by motion sensors with a time delay of 5–15 minutes is favored over dusk-to-dawn lighting. Flashing, blinking, and rotating lighting is prohibited except for emergency services. Sports field and recreational lighting has specific provisions including curfews (typically lights off by 10 PM or 11 PM). Holiday decorative lighting is generally exempt between specified dates. Streetlights are installed and maintained by the city and PG&E; conversions to LED are ongoing and follow California DarkSky-influenced standards. Violations are enforced through Code Enforcement with a notice-to-correct process. Title 24 non-residential lighting requirements include automatic shutoff controls, photocontrols, and lighting power density limits.