Upland, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- UMC § 17.14.030(F)
- Standard
- Full horizontal cutoff shielding
- State overlay
- Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards
- Design source cited
- Dark Sky Society figures
- Grandfathered fixture fix window
- 90 days after notice
Summary
Chapter 17.14 requires shielded, full cutoff outdoor fixtures citywide so no light is emitted above the horizontal plane, a standard the code illustrates with figures sourced to the Dark Sky Society. Section 17.14.030(F) sets the cutoff design rule, layered on top of the lumen-based shielding thresholds in the rest of the section.
F. Luminaires shall be so designed and shielded by horizontal cutoff to eliminate all light directed above the horizontal plane, as illustrated in Figure 17.14-1 (Adequate Shielding). The lower edge of the luminaire's housing shall extend below the entire light source and all glassware so that any light emitted above the horizontal is eliminated. Light-directing refractors shall be considered to be light sources.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4480959; v4 updated 2025-09-22).
Full Breakdown
030 applies its general standards to all outdoor lighting installed after the ordinance's effective date. Subsection (F) contains the full-cutoff shielding standard: luminaires shall be designed and shielded by horizontal cutoff to eliminate all light directed above the horizontal plane, the lower edge of the luminaire's housing shall extend below the entire light source and all glassware so that any light emitted above the horizontal is eliminated, and light-directing refractors are treated as light sources. ' Subsection (G) ties the chapter to state law: outdoor lighting must also comply with the California Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards, and where the two conflict, whichever produces the least glare governs. 040 separately bans flashing or color-changing lighting and any laser or searchlight used for outdoor advertising.
Violations & Fines
Unshielded or improperly aimed fixtures installed after the chapter's effective date violate Section 17.14.030 and are enforced as Zoning Ordinance violations under Section 17.01.080, prosecutable as a misdemeanor under Chapter 1.16, up to a $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both. Grandfathered luminaires that cause disability glare to motorists or cyclists must be shielded or redirected within 90 days of notification under Section 17.14.070(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Upland require full cutoff light fixtures?
Are any lights exempt from the shielding standard?
What happens to older, unshielded lights installed before the ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Upland
California rules heatmap·Compare Upland to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle dark sky rules.