Lighting Regulations in Lemoore, California: Balancing Safety, Efficiency, and Dark Skies

Introduction

In the heart of California's Central Valley, the city of Lemoore has developed a thoughtful approach to outdoor lighting that reflects both its historical character and contemporary needs. Founded in 1872 by Dr. Lovern Lee Moore, Lemoore has grown from a small agricultural community into a city of approximately 26,000 residents while maintaining its distinctive small-town charm.

Lemoore's lighting regulations aim to balance modern safety requirements with respect for the region's naturally dark skies. The city's position in the Central Valley, once home to the vast Tulare Lake (the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi), has historically enjoyed minimal light pollution—a natural resource the community continues to value today.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Lemoore:

• Shielding: Most outdoor lighting must be recessed with full downward shielding • Height Restrictions: 18' maximum near residential areas, 24' maximum elsewhere • Energy Efficiency: All fixtures must use energy-efficient lamps with 10,000+ hour bulb life • Light Levels: Minimum required illumination varies by use (1-2 foot-candles for certain businesses) • Trespass Prevention: Fixtures must direct light downward and away from adjoining properties • Studies Required: Light studies needed for fueling stations, apartment complexes, and large parking lots

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Purpose and Core Principles

Lemoore's lighting regulations serve a specific purpose: to balance safety and security needs with the city's desire to preserve dark skies and ensure that light trespass and glare have negligible impact on surrounding properties and roadways.

The fundamental principle behind these regulations is simple—provide adequate illumination for safety while preventing nuisance lighting that affects neighbors or contributes to sky glow.

Prohibited Lighting Types

The following lighting types are explicitly prohibited in Lemoore:

• Neon tubing or band lighting along buildings (except when approved through site plan review) • Searchlights, laser source lights, or similar high-intensity lights • Lighting fixtures that constitute a hazard to persons or safe vehicular travel • Illumination of entire buildings • Moving, flashing, or animated lighting (except as specifically allowed for signs)

Exempt Lighting

Not all lighting needs to comply with the full regulations. Exemptions include:

• Lights producing light directly by fossil fuel combustion (kerosene lanterns, gas fixtures) • Temporary holiday decorations • Emergency lighting erected by government agencies • Lighting for permitted temporary uses and special events • Streetlights installed to city standards

Technical Requirements for Outdoor Lighting

Shielding and Direction

All outdoor lighting must:

• Be recessed and/or constructed with full downward shielding • Be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way • Not directly illuminate areas outside the project site

Height Restrictions

Freestanding outdoor light fixtures are subject to maximum height limitations:

• 18 feet maximum height when less than 10 feet from property lines abutting residential development • 24 feet maximum height in all other circumstances • Height is measured from finished grade (including pedestal) to the top of the fixture

Energy Efficiency Standards

Lemoore emphasizes energy conservation through its lighting requirements:

• All fixtures must utilize energy-efficient lamps such as high-pressure sodium, metal halide, low-pressure sodium, hardwired compact fluorescent, or equivalent technology • Minimum bulb life of 10,000 hours required for all new outdoor lighting fixtures • Solar-powered fixtures are recommended wherever feasible

Illumination Levels

• Lighting must be designed at the minimum level necessary for safety and security • Harsh contrasts in lighting levels between adjacent properties should be avoided • For sexually oriented businesses: minimum 1 foot-candle illumination required for parking areas and walkways, and minimum 2 foot-candles for interior spaces

Special Area and Use Requirements

Downtown Lemoore Lighting Standards

Downtown development must comply with additional lighting standards:

• Fixtures should complement the architecture of the project • Accent lighting should highlight building details like tower elements and ornamental features • Wall-mounted lights are preferred to minimize freestanding fixtures • Light sources should provide a warm, calm glow (such as yellow light) • Historic-style fixtures are required for street lighting in the downtown area

Parking Lot Lighting

• Maximum height of 24 feet for standard parking lot fixtures • Maximum height of 18 feet when within 50 feet of residential properties • Must comply with all general outdoor lighting standards

Pedestrian Areas

• Pedestrian spaces must be illuminated for safety • Lighting should complement the architecture of the space • Pedestrian paths may feature enhanced lighting to distinguish them from sidewalks

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Requirements

• Sign illumination must not cast stray light on surrounding rights-of-way and properties • External light sources must be directed and shielded • Light intensity cannot create glare or negative impacts on residential properties • Blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights are prohibited unless specifically permitted • Colored lights cannot be used in a way that might be confused with traffic control devices • Energy-efficient fixtures are required for all sign lighting

Specific Sign Types

Awning Signs: • Cannot be backlit (illuminated from under the awning) • Downward lighting that doesn't illuminate the awning is permitted

Marquee/Changeable Copy Signs: • Digital changeable copy signs cannot change messages more frequently than once every 7 seconds • Intensity must be adjusted between day and night hours for safety

Channel Letter and Wall Signs: • May be internally or externally illuminated • Internally illuminated signs must have opaque face panels so only letters, logos, numbers, or symbols appear illuminated

Highway-Oriented Signs: • Must be internally lit • Changeable copy LED elements must change no more frequently than every 7 seconds

Temporary Signs: • Cannot be illuminated

What Property Owners Should Know

When Lighting Studies Are Required

Not all properties need to conduct formal lighting studies, but they are mandatory for:

• Fueling stations • Apartment complexes • Properties with parking lots containing more than 100 spaces

For these projects, a professional lighting or photometric plan is essential for approval.

Light Trespass and Pollution Prevention

Lemoore defines important lighting concepts that property owners should understand:

• Light Trespass: The shining of light beyond property boundaries • Light Pollution: Artificial light causing detrimental effects on the environment or night sky • Glare: Light emitting with intensity great enough to reduce visibility • Full Shielding: Construction method that completely conceals the light source from all viewing positions

Understanding these concepts helps property owners design lighting systems that comply with regulations and respect neighbors.

Supporting Lemoore's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we appreciate Lemoore's thoughtful approach to balancing safety, efficiency, and dark sky preservation. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of lighting regulations that honor community character while addressing modern needs.

Lemoore's agricultural heritage and small-town atmosphere are reflected in its careful lighting standards, particularly in areas like the downtown district where historic character is prioritized. Our experience with communities throughout California has taught us that effective lighting enhances community identity rather than detracting from it.

We're committed to serving as an educational resource for Lemoore property owners, helping them understand how lighting choices impact both compliance and community aesthetics. Our focus on sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Lemoore's vision for energy efficiency and dark sky preservation.

Through our understanding of regional architectural styles and commitment to quality standards, we aim to support Lemoore's balance of growth and preservation—the same balance that has guided the city since its founding.

Conclusion

Lemoore's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its distinctive character while providing for safety and security. By emphasizing downward-directed light, energy efficiency, and appropriate illumination levels, these standards help preserve the dark skies that have historically characterized the Central Valley.

Property owners in Lemoore should approach lighting as both a practical necessity and an aesthetic element that contributes to the community's overall appeal. With careful planning and attention to these regulations, lighting can enhance safety, highlight architectural features, and respect neighbors—all while honoring Lemoore's unique heritage and vision for the future.