Santa Clara County Outdoor Lighting: Security Light Shielding Rules (2026)

Title C zoning lighting standards in unincorporated Santa Clara County require that security floodlights, wall packs, and area lights use full-cutoff fixtures so light is directed downward and does not cross property lines or shine into the night sky. Motion-activated security lights are encouraged but must still meet the cutoff and timeout standards. Lighting in agricultural and rural-residential zones, including the foothills and hillside overlay areas, is subject to stricter dark-sky-style rules to protect rural night character and observatory operations at Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton. Color temperature is generally capped at 3,000 kelvin warm-white for residential and small commercial fixtures.