Lighting Regulations in Menifee, California: Dark Sky Preservation & Community Standards

Introduction: Menifee's Approach to Lighting Management

Menifee, California may be a relatively young city—officially incorporated on October 1, 2008—but its approach to lighting regulations reflects both its commitment to modern development and respect for its natural environment. From its early days as land inhabited by the Luiseno and Pechanga Indian tribes to its history as a mining community, Menifee has always maintained a connection to the landscape that surrounds it.

The city's lighting regulations, particularly those found in Chapter 6.01 of the municipal code focusing on Dark Sky and Light Pollution, demonstrate Menifee's dedication to balancing progress with preservation. These standards help maintain the community's character while providing necessary illumination for safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

• Preferred Light Source: Low-pressure sodium lamps
• Maximum Lumens: 8,100 total lumens per acre (or per parcel if under one acre)
• Shielding Requirements: All non-exempt outdoor fixtures must be shielded as specified
• Class I Lighting: Must be off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise (with exceptions)
• Class II Lighting: May remain on all night
• Class III Lighting: Must be off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise
• Special Venues: Different requirements for parks, massage therapy locations, and sidewalk vendors

Understanding Menifee's Dark Sky Regulations

The Purpose Behind the Regulations

Menifee's Dark Sky regulations align with the city's balanced approach to development and preservation. While the city doesn't have numerous historical districts, its regulations help preserve the natural night environment while providing adequate illumination for safety and commerce.

Classification System for Different Lighting Needs

Menifee organizes lighting into three distinct classes based on their purpose:

Class I Lighting

• Used for outdoor sales/eating areas, assembly/repair areas, advertising displays, and recreational facilities
• Key characteristic: Applications where color rendition is important
• Hours: Must be off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise (with specific exceptions)

Class II Lighting

• Used for walkways, private roadways/streets, equipment yards, parking lots, and outdoor security
• Hours: May remain on all night
• Restrictions: Non-low pressure sodium lighting above 4,050 lumens is prohibited

Class III Lighting

• Used for decorative effects (flag poles, trees, fountains, statuary, building walls)
• Hours: Must be off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise
• Restrictions: Non-low pressure sodium lighting above 4,050 lumens is prohibited

Technical Requirements for Lighting Fixtures

Luminaire Definitions and Standards

The code defines a luminaire as "a complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the lamps and to connect the lamps to the power supply."

Shielding Requirements

• Fully Shielded: Fixtures where light rays are projected below the horizontal plane
• Partially Shielded: Fixtures designed so that 90% of light rays are projected below the horizontal plane
• Focus Requirements: Lighting must minimize spill light into the night sky and onto adjacent properties

Lamp Type and Lumen Restrictions

For all lighting classes:

• Low pressure sodium: Always allowed
• Other lighting above 4,050 lumens:
• Allowed for Class I only if fully shielded
• Prohibited for Class II and III
• Other lighting 4,050 lumens and below: Allowed for all classes

Hours of Operation & Time Restrictions

Standard Operating Hours

• Class I lighting: Off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise
• Class II lighting: May remain on all night
• Class III lighting: Off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise

Notable Exceptions to Standard Hours

• On-premise advertising signs: May be illuminated while the business is open to the public
• Outdoor advertising displays: May remain lighted until midnight
• Outside sales, commercial, assembly, repair and industrial areas: May be lighted when actually in use
• Outdoor recreational facilities: May remain lighted to complete activities in progress at 11:00 p.m.

Park Lighting Hours

• Unlighted parks: Closed from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise
• Lighted sports fields: Closed from 10:00 p.m. until 30 minutes before sunrise

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Sidewalk Vendor Lighting

All sidewalk vendors operating after sunset must provide "adequate lighting" in the immediate vicinity of their vending receptacle to ensure safe transactions with the public.

Massage Therapy Facilities

Minimum lighting equivalent to at least one 40-watt light must be provided in each massage therapy cubicle, room, booth, or area.

Small Wireless Facilities

• Must be unlit except for manually-operated or motion-detector controlled lights above equipment shed doors
• These lights must remain off except when personnel are present at night

Outdoor Advertising Displays

Lighting fixtures used to illuminate outdoor advertising displays must be mounted on top of the advertising structure and comply with lamp source, shielding requirements, and prohibitions.

Exemptions and Special Provisions

Permanent Exemptions

• Outdoor light fixtures producing light directly by combustion of fossil fuels (kerosene lanterns, gas lamps)
• Holiday decoration lights
• Lighting installed prior to County Ordinance 655 (though hours of operation still apply)

Temporary Exemptions

• Requires written request to the Planning Director
• Valid for up to 30 consecutive days
• Renewable for up to 15 additional consecutive days
• No fixture can be exempted for more than 45 days in any 12-month period

Emergency Exemptions

The lighting regulations do not apply to portable temporary lighting used by law enforcement or emergency services personnel to protect life or property.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When installing new outdoor lighting, property owners should:

• Consider low-pressure sodium as the preferred lighting source
• Calculate total lumens to ensure they stay under the 8,100 lumens per acre limit
• Select appropriate shielding based on lighting class and lumen output
• Install timers or controls to comply with hours of operation requirements

Permit Requirements

Failure to obtain required permits can result in a public nuisance determination. Plans submitted must include:

• Location of the site where fixtures will be installed
• Plans showing location and type of fixtures
• Description of fixtures including manufacturer's catalog cuts and drawings

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Searchlights: Operation of searchlights for advertising purposes is prohibited
• Private street lighting: Installation of non-low pressure sodium street lights on private roadways is prohibited
• Existing fixtures: When reconstructed or replaced, must comply with current standards

Supporting Menifee's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation. With manufacturing roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate Menifee's commitment to preserving its natural night sky while providing appropriate illumination for safety and commerce.

Our expertise can serve as a resource for Menifee property owners navigating these regulations. We understand that communities like Menifee value lighting solutions that respect both their development goals and environmental concerns, particularly in preserving dark skies.

As a manufacturer committed to supporting community standards, we understand the technical requirements behind Menifee's regulations and can help property owners understand how to maintain compliance while achieving their lighting goals.

Conclusion

Menifee's lighting regulations reflect the city's thoughtful approach to development—balancing growth with preservation of natural resources and community character. The Dark Sky provisions particularly demonstrate the city's commitment to reducing light pollution while ensuring appropriate illumination for safety and commerce.

Property owners should carefully review these requirements when planning lighting installations, paying particular attention to the classification system, lumen limitations, shielding requirements, and hours of operation. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to Menifee's vision of responsible development and environmental stewardship.

For specific questions about your property or project, we recommend contacting the Menifee Planning Department directly to ensure full compliance with all current regulations.