San Jose Municipal Code Title 20 zoning requires outdoor security and floodlights to be fully shielded and aimed downward to prevent glare and trespass onto neighboring properties. Eastern hillside areas near Mt. Hamilton fall under additional dark-sky measures protecting Lick Observatory's astronomical research.
SJMC Title 20 (Zoning) and Title 23 require new outdoor lighting in San Jose to use shielded, full-cutoff fixtures aimed downward, with light trespass onto adjacent properties limited to a low foot-candle level at the property line. Bright unshielded floodlights aimed horizontally are typically a Code Enforcement violation as light trespass and a public nuisance. Eastern San Jose hillside neighborhoods near Mt. Hamilton, including portions of Alum Rock and Evergreen, fall within the influence area of UC Lick Observatory; Santa Clara County and adjoining jurisdictions impose additional dark-sky overlays favoring low-pressure sodium or amber-LED low-Kelvin fixtures, full cutoff shielding, and curfews on non-essential lighting.
Unshielded floodlights causing glare or trespass onto neighboring property are abatable as nuisances under SJMC Title 20. Code Enforcement can issue notices, administrative citations, and daily fines. Within Mt. Hamilton dark-sky overlay areas, fixture replacement may be required.
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