Santa Clarita, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielding standard
- Cut-off design, directed downward
- Commercial curfew
- Off by 10 p.m. or 1 hr post-close
- Curfew alternative
- Timer, motion sensor, or 50% dimmer
- Prohibited fixtures
- Mercury vapor lamps, lasers, drop-down lenses
- Relief process
- Minor Use Permit, §17.24.120
Summary
New and replacement outdoor lighting in Santa Clarita must be directed downward with a cut-off design so the bulb or lens stays hidden below the fixture housing, under UDC § 17.51.050. Commercial, industrial, and mixed-use lighting must also shut off by 10 p.m. (or an hour after closing) unless it runs on a timer, motion sensor, or 50% dimmer.
A. Purpose. These regulations are intended to: 1. Permit reasonable uses of outdoor lighting for night-time safety, utility, security, productivity, enjoyment, and commerce. ... 3. Minimize adverse off-site light trespass and/or obtrusive light. 4. Reduce light pollution and preserve the nighttime environment. ... D. Lighting Standards. 1. General Requirements. a. Shielding. All lighting shall be directed downward and be of a cut-off design so the luminary and/or lens do not protrude below the luminary housing and is not visible from a public right-of-way. ... 2. Requirements for Commercial, Industrial, and Mixed Uses. ... b. Hours of Operation. i. Outdoor lighting shall be turned off between the hours of ten p.m. and sunrise, except where uses operate past ten p.m., lighting shall be turned off one (1) hour after the close of business or use dimmers. ... 4. Prohibitions. The following lighting fixtures and systems shall be prohibited: a. Drop down lenses; b. Mercury vapor lamps; c. Searchlights, laser lights, or any other lighting that flashes, blinks, alternates, or moves.
Full Breakdown
' It reaches all new outdoor lighting and any addition or replacement to existing fixtures, including parking lots, walkways, building entrances, landscaping, and building facades, though it exempts right-of-way lighting, health and safety code lighting, temporary emergency or construction lighting, pool and spa lighting under Electrical Code Article 680, and low-height public facilities of 35 feet or less. m. 050(D)(4). 120.
Violations & Fines
Installing or continuing to operate outdoor lighting that isn't shielded and cut-off, that runs past the required commercial curfew without a timer, sensor, or dimmer, or that uses a prohibited fixture like a mercury vapor lamp or searchlight is a violation of § 17.51.050 enforceable through the Community Development Department's permit and code-compliance process; the Director can require re-aiming, re-lamping, or removal. An uncorrected violation is also a public nuisance under Municipal Code § 1.01.210, subject to summary abatement or a cost-recovery civil action under § 1.01.220.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to my home's porch light?
Can I install a motion-sensor floodlight instead of a timer?
What lighting is completely banned?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clarita
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clarita to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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