Santa Clara County Title C outdoor-lighting standards require full-cutoff shielding on security and area lights to prevent glare and light trespass. The rules align with International Dark-Sky Association practice and limit upward and lateral light beyond property lines.
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.
Light trespass complaints can lead to a code-enforcement notice ordering re-aiming or shielding within 30 days. Continuing nuisance lighting can be abated as a public nuisance with daily civil penalties and recovery of inspection costs.
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