San Benito County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone I cap
- 25,000 lumens per net acre
- Zone II cap
- 50,000 lumens per net acre
- Zone III cap
- 100,000 lumens per net acre
- Preferred lamp
- low-pressure sodium
- Reviewed by
- Planning Director on development permits
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County limits outdoor lighting near Pinnacles National Monument and Fremont Peak State Park through a three-zone dark-sky ordinance capping lumens per acre and requiring shielded fixtures.
The purpose of this chapter is to encourage lighting practices and systems which will: minimize light pollution, glare, light trespass, conserve energy and resources while maintaining night-time safety, utility, security and productivity; and curtail the degradation of the night time visual environment. The Board of Supervisors recognizes that topographic and atmospheric conditions within the county are uniquely suited for astronomical observation, that an observatory has been established at Fremont Peak State Park and star gazing activities are also provided at Pinnacles National Monument.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated San Benito County regulates outdoor lighting under Chapter 19.31, adopted to protect night-sky visibility near the Fremont Peak State Park observatory and Pinnacles National Monument. The code divides the county into three lighting zones radiating out from those park areas: Zone I within 5 miles, Zone II the next 8 miles, and Zone III everywhere else. Floodlighting projected above the horizontal plane is banned countywide, most fixtures must be fully shielded, and total outdoor light output is capped at 25,000 lumens per net acre in Zone I, 50,000 in Zone II, and 100,000 in Zone III. New development projects must submit lighting plans to the Planning Director for compliance review.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful outdoor lighting is a public nuisance abated under Chapter 1.03 and a misdemeanor; each day of continued violation is a separate offense under section 19.31.016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the dark-sky ordinance apply inside Hollister or San Juan Bautista?
What lighting is exempt from the zone lumen caps?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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