San Mateo County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- CMU-1 District, North Fair Oaks
- Standard
- dark-sky compliant lighting
- Flood lights
- prohibited by default
- Exception
- front façade may light sidewalk
Summary
Development in unincorporated North Fair Oaks' CMU-1 commercial district must use dark-sky-compliant lighting confined to the property, and flood lights are banned absent a safety justification.
2. Lighting. All exterior and interior lighting shall be dark-sky compliant and designed and located so that direct rays and glare are confined to the premises, with the exception of lighting on the front building façade which may light the public sidewalk. Flood lights shall be prohibited, unless an applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Building that such additional lighting is necessary for public health and safety.
3. Trash and Debris. All trash, boxes, or similar debris shall be picked up on a regular basis and stored in refuse containers that are screened from public view.
4. Stormwater Management. Projects shall conform to San Mateo County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program's C.3 Technical Guidance in the design and location of buildings and other site features.
5. Transportation. Development projects that generate at least 100 average daily trips (ADT) shall adhere to the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) TDM Policy, which requires applicants to submit a TDM Checklist with their development application that lists measures to be implemented to mitigate traffic impacts at desired trip reduction target thresholds. San Mateo County staffwill notify C/CAG
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).
Full Breakdown
Under the CMU-1 District performance standards, all exterior and interior lighting must be dark-sky compliant and designed so direct rays and glare stay on the premises, with an exception allowing front-façade lighting to spill onto the public sidewalk. Flood lights are prohibited unless the applicant shows the Director of Planning and Building that extra lighting is necessary for public health and safety.
Violations & Fines
Installing glare-producing or non-dark-sky fixtures, or flood lights without a demonstrated safety need, violates the CMU-1 performance standards and can be cited by the Director of Planning and Building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are flood lights allowed on CMU-1 commercial buildings in North Fair Oaks?
Does this dark-sky rule apply to homes across the whole county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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