Sacramento County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Fixture type required
- Full cut-off, IESNA-defined
- Aim requirement
- Downward, away from neighbors
- Governing section
- Zoning Code § 5.9.4.G
- Applies to
- New and existing parking lots
Summary
New light fixtures in Sacramento County parking lots must be full cut-off, shielded, and aimed downward and away from neighboring and residential properties so no light spills off the site under the zoning code's parking lighting standards.
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 right-of-way, so that no light fixture directly illuminates an area outside of the site, and the light source is not visible from residential properties. New light fixtures, serving uncovered parking lots shall be full cut-off fixtures as defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. New light fixtures, installed for parking area canopies or similar structures, shall be recessed or flush-mounted, using flat lenses. This standard shall apply to existing businesses.
Figure 5-15 Shielding Provisions for Outdoor Lighting
The minimum lighting level shall be one foot-candle of maintained illumination on the parking surface during the hours of use between one-half hour before dusk and one-half hour after dawn.
Light Pole Locations. Light poles shall be located as follows:
So as not to interfere with motor vehicle door opening, vehicular movements, or pedestrian travel paths; Away from trees that may obstruct the lighting; and In perimeter planters and landscape islands between rows of parking, but discouraged within end row planters, planting islands parallel to parking spaces, tree wells, and in the required clear path of pedestrian walkways.
5.9.4.H. Alternative Energy Systems Section titled “5.9.4.H. Alternative Energy Systems”
Full Breakdown
Section 5.9.4.G of the Sacramento County Zoning Code, Parking Area Lighting, requires every new light fixture serving an uncovered parking lot to be a full cut-off fixture as defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. Fixtures must be fully shielded or recessed, directed downward and away from adjoining properties and the public right-of-way, and positioned so the light source itself is never visible from residential property. Canopy or structure-mounted lights must be recessed or flush-mounted with flat lenses. The standard applies countywide to new commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use parking areas, and extends to existing businesses as well.
Violations & Fines
Installing unshielded or glare-producing fixtures violates the Zoning Code's Chapter 6 enforcement rules; the County can issue a stop-work order, and each day the violation continues is a separate misdemeanor under Section 6.6.9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do existing parking lot lights in unincorporated Sacramento County have to comply?
What counts as a full cut-off fixture?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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