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

The purpose of this section is to establish standards for the types, construction, installation and use of outdoor electrically powered illuminating devices and systems in order to conserve energy, preserve the natural environment, and provide nighttime safety and security, while not materially interfering with the use and enjoyment of property.

B. Definitions. For purposes of this section, unless otherwise defined, the following words and phrases when used in this section shall have the following meaning: "Automatic timing device"means device which automatically turns on and off outdoor light fixtures or circuits. "Canopy light fixture"means an outdoor lighting fixture attached to or recessed within a canopy ceiling. "Direct illumination"means illumination resulting from light emitted directly from a lamp or luminaire, not light diffused through translucent signs or reflected from other surfaces such as the ground or building faces. "Fully shielded fixture"means an outdoor light fixture shielded in such a manner that all light emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamp or indirectly from the fixture, is projected below the horizontal plane as determined by photometric test or certified by the manufacturer. A light fixture mounted under a canopy or other structure such that the canopy or surrounding structure effectively shields the light in the same manner is also considered fully shielded for the purposes of this definition.