Santa Clara zoning requires shielded outdoor lighting to prevent glare and skyglow, with specific controls for commercial properties near residential zones.
Santa Clara has not adopted a formal IDA Dark Sky ordinance but regulates outdoor lighting under zoning code SCCC Title 18. All outdoor lighting must be shielded and directed downward to prevent light from crossing property lines onto neighboring residential uses. Commercial and industrial properties adjacent to residential zones must meet stricter photometric requirements, often capped at 0.5 foot-candles at the property line. Levi's Stadium and large assembly venues have special lighting plans approved through conditional use permits to manage glare on surrounding neighborhoods. New developments require photometric plans during planning review. Title 24 Part 6 outdoor lighting allowances set statewide energy caps on commercial lighting power.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Santa Clara, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle dark sky rules.
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