Calaveras County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Section 17.16.100 of the 2024 Calaveras County Zoning Code directly addresses light trespass. Its general requirements state the intent to prevent glare and light trespass on adjacent properties and light pollution in the night sky. Two provisions are central. First, the maximum light level at property lines may not exceed 0.1 foot-candles, except where a Conditional Use Permit allows otherwise or, between abutting commercial or industrial zones, where the shared-property-line maximum is 0.25 foot-candles. Second, the glare-prevention standard requires that all lights be selected, directed and oriented to prevent light spillover and glare onto adjacent properties, and that no unobstructed beam of exterior light be directed off-site. To achieve this, outdoor fixtures must generally be fully shielded or full cut-off; partially shielded fixtures are limited to 850 lumens and unshielded fixtures to 600 lumens under a roofed area. Freestanding fixtures near residential zones are limited to 16 feet in height to reduce spill onto neighbors. Permit applications including outdoor lighting must demonstrate compliance, and the Director may require photometric plans showing foot-candle readings ten feet beyond the property lines to verify that trespass limits are met. These standards give neighbors in the rural foothills a clear, enforceable basis to address glare and spillover from adjacent properties.