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

Plumas County's primary protection against light trespass is the general lighting standard in Title 9, Chapter 2, Article 4, Sec. 9-2.411 (Lighting facilities): all lighting facilities shall be so installed as to focus away from adjoining properties. This directly targets light spilling from one parcel onto a neighbor's. The county does not set a specific maximum foot-candle limit at the property line; instead, compliance turns on whether the fixtures are aimed and shielded so the light is directed onto the owner's own property and away from neighbors. Light that floods an adjacent parcel, shines into windows, or creates glare can violate Sec. 9-2.411 and may also be treated as a private nuisance under California law. On large rural and ranch parcels, generous spacing usually makes compliance easy, but security floodlights, pole lights, and barn or shop lighting are common sources of complaints. The remedy is typically to re-aim fixtures downward, add shielding or hoods, lower mounting heights, reduce wattage, or add timers and motion sensors so lights are not on continuously. Because the standard is qualitative, neighbors with a dispute should document the spillover and contact the Plumas County Planning Department; confirm current enforcement procedures with the county.