San Bernardino, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

San Bernardino Development Code outdoor lighting provisions require commercial and multi-family lighting fixtures to be fully shielded and downward-directed to minimize light pollution, glare, and light trespass onto adjacent properties. Standards typically limit parking lot lighting to 1.0 footcandle average and 4.0 footcandle maximum, shopping center lighting to similar ranges, and gas station canopies to 30 footcandles under the canopy with zero spill beyond the property line. Residential flood lights may not directly illuminate adjacent properties or streets, and house-mounted fixtures must have a cut-off shield for the upper 90 degrees of the fixture. Color temperature limits commonly cap at 3,000 Kelvin to reduce blue-light sky glow, consistent with International Dark-Sky Association recommendations. Lighting plans are required as part of major development review including conditional use permits and subdivision maps. San Bernardino County Mountain Area Community Plans covering Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, and Big Bear observe stricter dark-sky overlay standards including full cut-off fixtures, timer or motion-sensor control on nonessential lighting, and 2700 K maximum color temperature, protecting the ecological and astronomical value of the San Bernardino National Forest and nearby Mount Wilson Observatory sky quality. Sign illumination is limited to business hours plus one hour after closing under typical sign code provisions. Security lighting at homes should use motion sensors rather than dusk-to-dawn floodlights.