Manteca, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MMC § 17.50.060(A)
- Standard
- prevent glare, trespass, pollution
- Applies to
- all zoning districts, all uses
- Stated goal
- preserve dark skies, § 17.50.010
Summary
Manteca requires every outdoor fixture citywide to be designed, aimed downward, and shielded specifically to prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution under its lighting chapter.
General Lighting Standards. The following standards shall apply to all outdoor lighting.
A. Nuisance Prevention. All outdoor lighting shall be designed, located, installed, directed downward or toward structures, shielded, and maintained in order to prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution.
B. Maintenance. Fixtures and lighting shall be maintained in good working order and in a manner that serves the original design intent.
C. Shielding. Except as otherwise exempt, all outdoor lighting shall be constructed with full shielding and/or recessed to reduce light trespass to adjoining properties. Each fixture shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way, so that no light fixture directly illuminates an area outside of the site. Fixtures located higher than 6 feet above the ground shall have shielding that limits to angle of the cone of direct illumination to 60 degrees or less. FIGURE 17.50.060-1: SHIELDING PROVISIONS FOR OUTDOOR LIGHTING
* Outdoor lighting shall be constructed with full shielding and/or recessed to reduce light trespass to adjoining properties.
D. Level of Illumination. Outdoor lighting shall be designed to illuminate at the minimum level necessary for safety and security and to avoid the harsh contrasts in lighting levels between the project site and adjacent properties. Illumination standards are as follows:
1.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).
Full Breakdown
Manteca Municipal Code § 17.50.060(A) sets a blanket nuisance-prevention standard covering every outdoor fixture in the city: lighting must be designed, located, installed, directed downward or toward structures, shielded, and maintained to prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution. The Chapter's stated purpose in § 17.50.010 is to balance safety and security lighting needs against the City's desire to preserve dark skies. Per § 17.50.020 the standard applies to all new and existing land uses in every zoning district, including temporary uses, and it is enforced through Site Plan and Design Review for new or retrofit fixtures.
Violations & Fines
New or retrofitted outdoor lighting that fails the nuisance-prevention standard can be denied or conditioned at Site Plan and Design Review; the Community Development Director can also require retrofit of an existing fixture found to have a measurable impact on abutting property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Manteca regulate light pollution?
Which properties does Manteca's lighting standard cover?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manteca
California rules heatmap·Compare Manteca to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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