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

Tehama County's Title 17 zoning code does not establish a general light-trespass or off-site glare standard for residential or commercial properties in the unincorporated area. The closest provision is Section 17.81.060(M), within the Administrative Permit standards for agriculture-tourism uses, which requires any new exterior lighting installed for a permitted use or activity to be designed to illuminate the immediate vicinity and not be visible off-site. Section 17.81.060(E) provides that an agritourism use immediately adjacent to a commercial poultry operation generally may have no exterior lights except as minimally necessary for public safety, protecting that neighboring operation from light intrusion. Where a use requires a use permit, Section 17.70.040 allows the Planning Commission to condition approval so the use is compatible with and not materially detrimental to adjacent properties, which can include lighting and glare conditions. For ordinary residential properties, there is no county code remedy specific to a neighbor's light spilling onto your property. In that situation, California's private-nuisance law (Civil Code Section 3479 and related authority) may provide a remedy if the lighting substantially and unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of your property. Because the County relies on permit conditions and state nuisance law rather than a dedicated ordinance, document the impact and consult the Planning Department or legal counsel about your specific situation.