Turlock, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Section
- TMC § 9-2-122(l)
- Applies to
- rental storage facilities only
- Requirement
- locate or shield to avoid glare
- Permit
- minor discretionary permit (Ch. 9-5)
Summary
Turlock's zoning code requires rental storage facilities to locate or shield exterior security lighting so it does not produce glare on adjacent properties; the rule applies to that specific commercial use, not homes generally.
Security lighting shall be provided for the exterior of the buildings, parking areas, driveways, and aisles. Lighting shall be located or shielded so as to not produce glare on adjacent properties.
(m) Only freestanding monument signs are permitted and shall be of a low profile design not to exceed four (4') feet in height, externally illuminated, and incorporate the design, materials, textures, and colors used in the building. All building signage shall be composed of individual pan channel letters or equivalent. Exposed raceways, cabinet signs, and changeable copy are prohibited. All other applicable sign standards apply in accordance with Article 5 of this chapter (Signs).
(n) A minimum of one (1) trash receptacle shall be provided on the site. The trash receptacle shall be located and enclosed consistent with City standards.
(o) All storage shall be located within a fully enclosed structure except for recreation vehicles. Recreation vehicles shall be screened from public view and shall not be stored adjacent to residential properties.
(p) No business activity shall be conducted other than the rental of storage spaces for inactive storage use. (1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4937289; v6 updated 2026-06-25).
Full Breakdown
Turlock's development standards for rental storage facilities (self-storage complexes) require security lighting for the exterior of buildings, parking areas, driveways, and aisles, but that lighting must be located or shielded so it does not spill glare onto adjacent properties. The rule is one of roughly a dozen site-design conditions, landscaping strips, fencing height, parking counts, signage limits, imposed on rental storage facility development under TMC § 9-2-122. It applies specifically to that commercial land use; Turlock's code does not carry a single, general shielding standard covering residential or other security lighting citywide.
Violations & Fines
Operating a rental storage facility without shielding exterior security lighting from adjacent properties violates TMC § 9-2-122(l); it is enforceable as a zoning infraction under TMC § 1-2-01, punishable by a fine up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Turlock require homeowners to shield porch or security lights?
What must storage facility security lighting avoid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Turlock
California rules heatmap·Compare Turlock to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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