West Sacramento, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Fixture standard
- IESNA 'cut off' or 'full cut off'
- Height near residential zone
- 16 ft max
- Height elsewhere
- 25 ft max
- Applies to
- new development & fixture replacements
Summary
West Sacramento requires outdoor light fixtures on new development to meet IESNA 'cut off' or 'full cut off' shielding standards, with height capped at 16 to 25 feet, under Municipal Code § 17.22.080(C).
Fixture Types. All luminaries shall meet the most recently adopted criteria of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) for "cut off" or "full cut off" luminaries. ... Within 100 feet of a Residential Zone. 16 feet. ... Other Locations. 25 feet.
Full Breakdown
West Sacramento Municipal Code § 17.22.080 governs outdoor lighting on new development and on exterior alterations that replace fixtures. Subsection (C)(2) requires every luminaire to meet the current IESNA criteria for 'cut off' or 'full cut off' fixtures, the industry shielding standard that keeps light aimed downward instead of spilling upward and outward. Height is also capped, 16 feet within 100 feet of a residential zone, 25 feet elsewhere, though the Planning Commission may allow more height for historic, signage, landscape, or security needs.
Violations & Fines
Fixtures that flood-light upward or sideways instead of meeting the IESNA cut-off standard, or that exceed the height cap, are zoning violations subject to code enforcement action and required retrofit under Chapter 17.22.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does West Sacramento require dark-sky-friendly outdoor lighting?
What outdoor lighting is exempt from West Sacramento's shielding standard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare West Sacramento to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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