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Tehama County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 17.08.080(F)(5)
Standard
Shielded to prevent glare
Applies to
Commercial/industrial over 10,000 sq ft
Protects
Adjacent properties, streets, pedestrians

Summary

Tehama County requires exterior lighting on qualifying commercial and industrial projects in the unincorporated area to be shielded so light and glare don't reach adjacent properties, streets, or pedestrians.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Tehama County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Exterior lighting shall be properly shielded to eliminate light and glare from impacting adjacent properties, and passing vehicles or pedestrians.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).

Full Breakdown

Tehama County Code Section 17.08.080(F)(5) requires that exterior lighting be properly shielded to eliminate light and glare from impacting adjacent properties, and passing vehicles or pedestrians. It is one of the development design standards that apply to commercial or industrial buildings and complexes exceeding ten thousand square feet of impervious surface in the unincorporated area. The rule targets light trespass onto neighboring parcels and roadways rather than dictating fixture types, and it governs only outside Red Bluff, Corning, and the City of Tehama, which set lighting standards under their own municipal codes.

Violations & Fines

Unshielded exterior lighting that spills glare onto adjacent properties or the roadway on a qualifying commercial or industrial project can be flagged during plot plan review and required to be corrected before a building permit issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tehama County regulate light trespass onto neighboring property?
Yes, § 17.08.080(F)(5) requires exterior lighting on qualifying commercial and industrial projects to be shielded so glare doesn't impact adjacent properties or passing traffic.
Does this rule cover residential properties?
No: it applies to commercial or industrial buildings and complexes over 10,000 square feet of impervious surface, not homes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tehama County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome Restrictions

All Tehama County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Tehama County to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview

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