Sutter, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Sutter County does not maintain a standalone dark-sky or night-sky-preservation ordinance for the unincorporated area, and the Zoning Code contains no separate outdoor-lighting article. Where lighting is regulated, it is largely through the sign chapter and discretionary design review. Section 1500-21-040(C), 'Sign Illumination,' requires that external light sources be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination to the sign area only and that illuminated signs not be of an intensity or brightness that would create glare or other negative impacts on residential properties in direct line of sight. Discretionary Design Review under Section 1500-25-040 lets the county consider site lighting as part of project review for commercial, employment, and multifamily projects, and variance provisions in Section 1500-25-060 treat lighting and glare as operational/performance standards. At the state level, California's Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (adopted under Public Resources Code Section 25402.1) regulate outdoor lighting power allowances, controls, and shielding for new construction and certain alterations; California has no single statewide dark-sky mandate and leaves comprehensive light-pollution rules to local jurisdictions. Because there is no specific county footcandle or full-cutoff standard, residents concerned about a neighbor's lighting should consult Development Services and, for energy-code compliance, the Building Division.