Sacramento regulates outdoor lighting primarily through its zoning code and building requirements rather than a standalone dark-sky ordinance. Commercial and multi-family development must comply with light shielding and glare prevention requirements under the City's planning and design guidelines. California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24) also regulate outdoor lighting power and controls for new construction.
The City's zoning code requires that outdoor lighting for commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects be designed to minimize glare and light trespass onto adjacent properties. Full cutoff or shielded fixtures are encouraged for new development. California Title 24 requires automatic controls, motion sensors, and reduced lighting levels after hours for commercial outdoor lighting. The City's Design Review process evaluates lighting plans for larger projects. Single-family residential lighting is generally not regulated beyond nuisance provisions.
Commercial and multi-family projects that do not comply with lighting design standards may have their permits delayed or denied. Light trespass that constitutes a nuisance may be addressed through code compliance complaints.
Sacramento, CA
The City of Sacramento does not have a stand-alone movable tiny house (THOW) ordinance like neighboring West Sacramento's Ordinance 24-9. Tiny homes are only...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento regulates carports under City Code Chapter 17.624 (Residential Accessory Structure and Use Regulations). Attached carports are governed by section...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento treats above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools when water exceeds 18 inches deep. A building permit, manufacturer's specs, retractable ladd...
Sacramento, CA
Per Sacramento City Code 9.16.090, all pools and spas need a 60-inch barrier with a self-latching gate. New or remodeled pools at single-family homes must ha...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento sheds under 120 sq ft don't need a building permit (Sac. City Code §15.20). Max 18 ft overall height, 10 ft wall height, min 4 ft from main house,...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento enforces both state law (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929) and Sacramento City Code 15.64.070, which require every swimming pool or spa t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle dark sky rules.
See how Sacramento's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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