Riverside, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Color temperature cap
- 3,000 Kelvin or less
- Fixture orientation
- Shielded, downward-facing required
- Absolute lumen/candela ban
- >50,000 lumens or 500,000 candelas
- Lighting zones
- 4 zones (0-3), each with own limits
- New/modified lighting
- Design review + permit required
Summary
Riverside's outdoor lighting chapter exists 'to preserve the naturally dark night sky' by limiting glare and light trespass. New and modified fixtures must be shielded and downward-facing, capped at 3,000 Kelvin color temperature, and metered against lumen and footcandle limits that vary by the property's assigned lighting zone.
This chapter sets forth standards to ensure that outdoor lighting is adequate for safety, security and commerce while preserving the naturally dark night sky by mitigating artificial sky glow and preventing glare and light trespass....The correlated color temperature of all outdoor lighting shall be 3,000 Kelvin or less...4.Lighting shall be hooded or shielded so as to prevent either the spillage of lumens or reflection into the sky. Outdoor lighting shall be downward facing, except as may be specifically allowed herein.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
040). 050, including dynamic color-changing or flashing lighting, luminaires exceeding 500,000 peak candelas or 50,000 lumens, aerial laser lighting, and sport-facility lighting. 080-B (nonresidential). 080(A) requires all outdoor lighting to use a correlated color temperature of 3,000 Kelvin or less, comply with Title 24 energy standards, and be 'hooded or shielded so as to prevent either the spillage of lumens or reflection into the sky,' with fixtures required to be downward-facing except where the chapter specifically allows otherwise. 070, submitting luminaire plans and manufacturer specification sheets showing compliance before a permit issues.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliant outdoor lighting is a zoning code violation enforceable by the Community & Economic Development Department through the design-review and building-permit process, and, as with any City ordinance violation, City Charter § 417 caps penalties at a $1,000 fine, up to six months' imprisonment, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Riverside regulate outdoor lighting?
Do I need shielded fixtures for outdoor lighting in Riverside?
Is colored or flashing outdoor lighting allowed in Riverside?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle dark sky rules.