Unincorporated Sacramento County Zoning Code prohibits light trespass onto neighboring properties. Illumination at the property line generally cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles in residential zones. Code enforcement investigates complaints. Persistent offenders may be cited under the county nuisance ordinance.
Sacramento County Zoning Code Title 3 outdoor lighting standards prohibit lighting from one property from casting excessive illumination onto adjacent properties. The typical residential-zone standard limits illumination at the property line to 0.5 foot-candles measured at the receiving property. Glare from unshielded fixtures directed toward neighboring bedrooms or outdoor areas is a common violation. Code enforcement will investigate complaints and may require shielding, redirection, reduction in wattage, or removal of offending fixtures. Persistent unresolved cases can be referred for civil penalties under the county general nuisance ordinance. Street and roadway lighting operated by the county or SMUD is exempt. Civil remedies (private nuisance lawsuits) are also available for severe or ongoing light trespass. Title 24 commercial lighting standards include similar light-trespass requirements for new construction.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County Zoning Code restricts RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential zones. Generally allowed in side or rear yards with scree...
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County does not generally prohibit overnight street parking in residential areas. The CVC 22651(k) 72-hour rule applies. Some comme...
Sacramento County, CA
California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal cost-sharing for boundary fences. 30-day written notice is required before building or rep...
Sacramento County, CA
Fences 7 feet and under in unincorporated Sacramento County do not require a building permit, but a zoning clearance is required for front-yard fences over 3...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County allows backyard chickens in most residential zones: up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, no roosters in RD zones. Coops must be set bac...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County Code 9.60 prohibits feeding wild mammals including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys. Bird feeders are allowed if they do not attra...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle light trespass.
See how McClellan Park's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.