Ventura County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielding
- fully shielded, aimed downward
- Security light cap
- 2,600 lumens per luminaire
- Timer trigger
- over 850 lumens needs auto-shutoff
- Shutoff window
- within 10 minutes of activation
- Applies in
- Dark Sky (DKS) Overlay Zone only
Summary
In the Dark Sky overlay zone, security lights must be fully shielded, aimed downward, and capped at 2,600 lumens with an auto-shutoff timer.
Shielding and Direction of Luminaires: All outdoor luminaires shall be fully shielded, directed downward...to avoid light trespass beyond the lot line...Lights at building entrances...may be partially shielded. Security Lighting: (1) Outdoor luminaires used for security lighting shall not exceed a maximum output of two thousand six hundred (2,600) lumens per luminaire. (2) Where the light output exceeds eight hundred fifty (850) lumens, motion sensors with timers programmed to turn off the light(s) no more than ten (10) minutes after activation shall be used between 10:00 p.m. and sunrise.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
Within the Dark Sky (DKS) Overlay Zone in unincorporated Ventura County, all outdoor luminaires, including security fixtures, must be fully shielded and directed downward to keep light from crossing the lot line. Security lighting above 850 lumens (up to a 2,600-lumen cap) needs a motion sensor or timer that shuts it off within 10 minutes of activation, between 10 p.m. and sunrise. This does not apply outside the DKS overlay or inside the county's ten cities.
Violations & Fines
Zoning Clearance/Planning Division enforcement; noncompliant fixtures must be brought into compliance or shut off during dark hours per Sec. 8109-4.7.2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply anywhere in unincorporated Ventura County?
How bright can a security light be in the DKS overlay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura County
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura County to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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