Lighting Regulations in Fairfax, California: Preserving Dark Skies While Ensuring Safety

Introduction: Fairfax's Lighting Philosophy

Nestled in Marin County, Fairfax, California has a rich heritage dating back to the Gold Rush era, when it was named after Lord Charles Snowden Fairfax, a descendant of English nobility who settled in California. From its earliest days as a gathering place at Bird's Nest Glen to its incorporation in the early 1930s, Fairfax has valued its unique character and natural beauty.

Today, this historical appreciation continues through thoughtful regulations, including those governing outdoor lighting. Fairfax's lighting standards reflect its commitment to environmental stewardship, night sky preservation, and maintaining the town's distinctive small-town charm while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Fairfax Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here are the most critical lighting regulations to know:

• Shielding & Direction: All outdoor lighting must be downward directed and fully shielded
• Intensity Limits:
• Maximum of two foot candles lighting intensity in many contexts
• Total site light output limited to 3,000 lumens or less
• Light trespass beyond property lines limited to 0.1 foot candles
• Color Temperature: Must not exceed 3,000 Kelvin for outdoor lighting
• Curfew Requirement: Exterior lighting must be extinguished when no longer in use
• Landscape Lighting: Prohibited in certain contexts
• Energy Efficiency: Replace incandescent, halogen, and CFL with LED lamps

Exterior Lighting Requirements

Direction and Shielding

Fairfax defines a "fully shielded light fixture" as one constructed so that all light emitted, whether directly from the lamp or a diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction, is projected downward below the horizontal.

• All exterior lighting must be downward directed
• Fixtures must be shielded to prevent direct offsite illumination
• Use only the minimum number of fixtures necessary to provide pathway, stair/step, and entry illumination

Light Intensity and Measurement

The town has established clear limits on how bright exterior lighting can be:

• Maximum of two foot candles lighting intensity for most applications
• Some contexts limit exterior lighting to two lumens at ground level
• Total light output on site limited to 3,000 lumens or less
• Light fixtures should have a low profile

Light Trespass Prevention

Fairfax defines "light pollution" as excessive artificial light that includes light trespass (light falling where it is not intended, wanted, or needed) or glare (excessive brightness which causes visual discomfort or can decrease visibility).

• The maximum allowable light trespass beyond property lines is 0.1 foot candles
• All fixtures must be fully-shielded to minimize glare and protect the night sky

Color Temperature Requirements

While many municipalities don't regulate light color, Fairfax specifically addresses this aspect:

• Color temperature of all outdoor lighting must be 3,000 Kelvin or less
• This warmer light is less disruptive to wildlife and creates less sky glow

Timing and Operation of Lighting

Dark Sky Curfew

Fairfax implements a "dark sky" curfew requirement to minimize unnecessary nighttime illumination:

• Exterior lighting must be extinguished when people are no longer present in exterior areas
• Exceptions include:
• Building entries or exits
• Pathway and adjacent landscape lighting
• Parking area and driveway lighting
• Lighting on motion sensors that shut off within five minutes of activation

Energy Efficiency Requirements

The town promotes energy-efficient lighting technologies:

• Replace all interior and exterior screw-in incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent lamps with LED lamps
• Install photocell controls on all exterior lighting luminaires
• Properly seal recessed can light fixtures to prevent energy loss

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Commercial and Building Entry Lighting

• Building entries should be accented with features such as lighting
• All entries must be lighted with low-intensity fixtures to ensure safety and security

Parklet Lighting

• Light and glare from parklet use must not create adverse impacts on neighboring properties
• All parklet areas must provide adequate outdoor-appropriate electric lighting as specified in the Fairfax Parklet Standards
• The reviewing authority may impose additional lighting requirements as conditions for approval

Emergency Shelter Lighting

Emergency homeless shelters have specific lighting requirements:

• Must provide external lighting in accordance with California Building Code
• Exterior lighting must be shielded and directed towards the ground
• Light must be directed away from surrounding properties

Development Requirements

For larger developments:

• Housing developments on sites over one acre along Bolinas Road, Broadway, School Street, and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard must incorporate lighting to support and enhance pedestrian spaces
• Technical information for permit applications should include detailed lighting plans

Signage Lighting Regulations

Commercial Signs

• If lighting is installed for commercial signs, it shall not cause glare to passing pedestrians or motorists or cause light pollution
• Illuminated signs with non-stationary light are considered "flashing signs" and are subject to specific regulations
• An electrical permit must be secured and a fee paid for all lights on signs

Temporary Noncommercial Signs

• If lighting is installed, it shall not cause glare to passing pedestrians or motorists or cause light pollution

Wireless Facility Lighting Restrictions

Wireless telecommunications facilities have particularly strict lighting limitations:

• No wireless telecommunications facility may be illuminated unless specifically required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other government agency
• Lightning arresters and beacon lights are not permitted unless required by regulations for health and safety
• If lighting is permitted:
• Must be mechanically-operated, low wattage, hooded and downward directed
• Only permitted for safety purposes and must remain off except when maintenance or safety personnel are present at night
• Tower lighting required under FAA regulations should be shielded to minimize impacts
• Warning signs must use low-wattage fixtures, directed downward and hooded

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When installing or updating exterior lighting in Fairfax, consider these practical steps:

• Choose fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward
• Select warm light (3,000K or lower) LED bulbs for energy efficiency and compliance
• Install timers, motion sensors, or photocells to ensure lights aren't on when not needed
• Calculate your total lumens to ensure you stay under the 3,000 lumen site limit
• Use light meters to verify foot candle measurements at property lines

Common Compliance Mistakes

Avoid these frequent issues:

• Installing unshielded decorative fixtures that cause light trespass
• Using overly bright security lights that exceed foot candle limits
• Installing landscape lighting where prohibited
• Choosing bulbs with color temperatures above 3,000K
• Failing to provide a means to automatically turn off lights when not in use

Supporting Fairfax's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting shares Fairfax's commitment to preserving community character while providing effective, responsible lighting solutions. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the balance between modern lighting needs and preserving the unique character that makes communities like Fairfax special.

Our appreciation for regional architectural styles and historical contexts helps us provide guidance that supports Fairfax's vision for minimizing light pollution while ensuring safety and functionality. We recognize the importance of dark sky preservation, energy efficiency, and appropriate lighting controls that Fairfax promotes through its regulations.

As a resource for community education on responsible lighting practices, we're committed to helping property owners understand and implement lighting solutions that respect local regulations while enhancing the community's distinctive character. Our sustainable approach to lighting aligns with Fairfax's environmental values and commitment to preserving its small-town charm.

Conclusion

Fairfax's lighting regulations reflect its dedication to preserving its historical character while embracing modern standards for energy efficiency and environmental protection. By focusing on downward-directed, shielded lighting with specific intensity limitations and thoughtful timing controls, the town has created a framework that protects its night skies while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Property owners who understand and embrace these regulations not only avoid potential compliance issues but also contribute to maintaining the distinctive charm and natural beauty that makes Fairfax a special place to live and visit.