Bakersfield, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BMC § 17.71.070
- Enforcing agencies
- Code enforcement, fire, police
- Adopted
- Ord. 4617, 2010
- Arrest authority
- Penal Code § 836.5, building inspector III+
- Special event lighting
- Requires permit under § 17.60.070(B)
Summary
Bakersfield Municipal Code § 17.71.070 bans outdoor light fixtures that resemble traffic signals, shine upward, blink or revolve, or beam searchlights and lasers without a special event permit, plus any permanent lighting aimed into the Kern River or natural areas. Code enforcement, fire, and police enforce these citywide prohibitions on every property.
A. No outdoor lighting fixture may resemble a traffic signal or be operated in such a manner as to constitute a hazard or danger to persons for safe vehicular and pedestrian travel. B. Lighting that is oriented upward, except as otherwise permitted by this chapter. C. Searchlights, beacons, and laser source lights, except as permitted by the city under a special event permit in accordance with Section 17.60.070(B). D. Lights that blink, flash, move, and revolve, except as otherwise permitted by the Bakersfield Municipal Code. E. Permanent lighting directed at or into the Kern River or natural areas.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 5221, passed July 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
030. Five specific prohibitions apply to every outdoor fixture in the city, installed before or after the chapter's 2010 adoption (Ord. 070(B); blinking, flashing, moving or revolving lights are barred except where another part of the Bakersfield Municipal Code allows them; and no permanent lighting may be directed at or into the Kern River or natural areas. 010, explains the prohibitions exist to prevent nuisances from unnecessary light intensity and glare and to protect the ability to view the night sky. 5 for violations committed in their presence. 010(D). 070 prohibitions functionally reach older installations too.
Violations & Fines
Operating a searchlight, laser, or upward-aimed fixture without an exempt use is a Title 17 violation enforced by code enforcement, fire, or police under § 17.72.010. A qualified building inspector may issue a misdemeanor citation or make a warrantless arrest under Penal Code § 836.5 for violations occurring in their presence; the city attorney can separately pursue civil nuisance abatement or a Superior Court injunction against the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I point a spotlight or laser at my building in Bakersfield?
Does the upward-lighting ban apply to my existing floodlights installed years ago?
What happens if I get cited for a lighting violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Bakersfield to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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Light Trespass & Shielding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kern County handle light trespass & shielding.