Stockton, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

095 of the Development Code applies to all new development and to any exterior alteration or addition that replaces light fixtures or lighting systems. Planning applications with new or replacement fixtures must submit a photometric plan showing foot-candle levels at the property lines, though residential projects under four units and owner-installed lighting skip that step unless the Community Development Director asks for one because of the project's size, location, or use. The section caps the light level at every property line at one foot-candle and sets a maximum fixture height of 20 feet, though the Director can allow taller poles for unique lighting needs, to accent historic architecture, or for security.

Every luminaire must meet the current 'Cut Off' or 'Full Cut Off' criteria of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, and building-mounted fixtures can only attach to walls or eaves, never rising above the parapet or roofline. Nonresidential lighting must run on a time clock or photo-sensor and switch off during daylight hours and when the lighting is not needed for security. Searchlights outside public safety use, mercury vapor lamps, and any laser, flashing, blinking, or moving light are prohibited outright. Street lighting, athletic field lights on City parks and private schools, safety and security lighting on public facilities, temporary construction and emergency lighting, and seasonal holiday or religious displays are exempt from the whole section.

Multi-unit residential common areas need at least one-quarter foot-candle at ground level after dark, and nonresidential exterior doors need at least one-half foot-candle. The section was last amended by Ordinance 2025-06-03-1601, effective June 3, 2025.