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

Shasta County does not have a separate 'light trespass' ordinance, but Section 17.84.050 of Title 17 functions as one. It contains three requirements: (1) all lighting, exterior and interior, must be designed and located so as to confine direct lighting to the premises; (2) a light source must not shine upon or illuminate directly any surface other than the area required to be lighted; and (3) no lighting may be of a type or in a location that constitutes a hazard to vehicular traffic, either on private property or on abutting streets. Together these provisions prohibit light from one property directly illuminating a neighbor's land - the essence of light trespass. The rule is a design/performance standard, so enforcement generally focuses on shielding or aiming fixtures rather than meeting a measured foot-candle threshold at the property line. Persistent unshielded lighting that spills onto adjacent property may also be addressed as a nuisance under the county's general nuisance provisions (Chapter 8.28). Because remedies depend on the specific fixture and circumstances, report glare or spillover to Shasta County Resource Management (code enforcement) and confirm the applicable standard.