Lighting Regulations in San Bernardino County, California: Preserving the Night Sky While Ensuring Safety and Security

Introduction: San Bernardino County's Lighting Vision

San Bernardino County, established in 1853 and spanning the largest geographical area of any county in the United States, has a rich history shaped by mining booms, diverse cultural influences, and rapid urban development. With nearly 2.2 million residents spread across urban centers and vast rural landscapes, the county faces unique challenges in balancing modern development needs with preservation of its natural beauty and dark skies.

The county's approach to lighting regulations reflects its Countywide Vision, which emphasizes innovation, service, and community preservation. These regulations aim to reduce light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security, particularly important in a region with such diverse geographical areas - from densely populated valleys to remote desert and mountain communities.

Quick Reference Guide to San Bernardino County Lighting Regulations

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Valley Region: Maximum 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines
• Mountain/Desert Regions: Maximum 0.1 foot-candles at property lines
• Color Temperature: Must not exceed 3,000 Kelvin in mountain and desert regions
• Curfew Requirements: Lights must be extinguished by 11:00 p.m., business closure, or when areas are vacant
• Motion Sensors: Must extinguish within 5 minutes of activation
• Shielding: Full shielding required in mountain and desert regions
• Compliance Timeline:
• Commercial/industrial properties: 18 months from ordinance adoption
• All other properties: 24 months from ordinance adoption

Purpose of Light Trespass Regulations (Chapter 83.07)

San Bernardino County's lighting regulations serve multiple important purposes reflective of its diverse landscape and community values:

Minimizing Glare and Light Pollution

The county explicitly aims to minimize direct glare and prevent excessive lighting, thereby reducing light trespass and pollution caused by inappropriate or misaligned fixtures. This approach promotes neighborly consideration and preserves the rural quality of life many residents cherish.

Preserving Natural Resources

One of the county's most valuable visual resources is its night sky. The lighting regulations help preserve this asset, particularly important in the mountain and desert regions where dark skies support astronomical observation and contribute to the area's natural beauty.

Supporting Wildlife

The regulations recognize the impact of artificial lighting on wildlife habitats. By minimizing light trespass into and adjacent to habitat areas, the county supports wildlife habitation and migration patterns.

Balancing Safety and Conservation

While limiting light pollution, the regulations still ensure sufficient lighting where needed for safety and security on public and private property. This balance is achieved while promoting efficient energy use in alignment with California's environmental goals.

Regional Lighting Requirements

San Bernardino County's vast geography necessitates different lighting standards for different regions:

Valley Region Requirements

Properties in the more densely populated valley areas must ensure that:

• Direct or indirect light from any source cannot cause light trespass exceeding 0.5 foot-candles when measured at residential property lines or public rights-of-way
• Light levels must be measured with a standardized light meter following international guidelines

Mountain and Desert Region Requirements

The more stringent regulations in these regions reflect their unique environmental characteristics:

Shielding and Fixture Requirements

• All outdoor lighting must be fully shielded to prevent light trespass
• Fixtures must be installed so shielding prevents light trespass exceeding allowable limits
• Light source orientation, fixture location, and height must be carefully managed

Technical Specifications

• Color temperature limited to 3,000 Kelvin or less (except seasonal lighting)
• Light trespass limited to 0.1 foot-candles at property lines
• Permanently installed lighting that blinks, flashes, or has high intensity causing light trespass is prohibited

Automated Controls

• Motion sensors, timers, and photocells required to control outdoor lighting
• Motion-activated lighting must extinguish within 5 minutes after activation
• Photocells must automatically extinguish lighting when sufficient daylight is available

Curfew Requirements

• Outdoor lighting must be extinguished by 11:00 p.m., close of business, or when people are no longer present (whichever is later)
• Exceptions allowed for security lighting at entry/exit points, parking areas, and driveways

Special Use Lighting Requirements

The county has established specific lighting requirements for various property types:

Residential Properties

• String lights are allowed in outdoor dining areas, entertainment areas, or as landscape lighting if:
• Color temperature does not exceed 3,000 Kelvin
• No individual lamp exceeds 40 initial lumens
• Total output does not exceed 4,000 lumens

Commercial and Industrial Properties

• Must comply with Chapter 83.07 within 18 months of ordinance adoption
• Light cannot cause glare upon adjacent properties
• Recycling bin storage areas must be well-lit with minimum one foot-candle

Multi-Family Developments

• Pedestrian-scaled lighting required along all walkways
• Light standards cannot exceed 12 feet in height
• Building entrances and dwelling unit entries should be accentuated with lighting

Adult Businesses

• All exterior areas must be illuminated at minimum 1.50 foot-candles, maintained and evenly distributed
• Lighting devices must screen, deflect, or diffuse light to prevent glare on adjacent properties
• Broken lights must be replaced within 24 hours

Special Facilities

• Wind energy facilities must comply with FAA lighting regulations
• Commercial solar facilities must comply with Chapter 83.07
• Emergency shelters require security lighting per Chapter 83.07
• Tower structure lighting prohibited unless required by FAA, FCC, or California Building Code

Compliance Timeline and Exemptions

When Compliance is Required

• Commercial and industrial properties: Must comply within 18 months from ordinance adoption
• All other properties: Must comply within 24 months from ordinance adoption
• When properties change use, all outdoor lighting must immediately comply
• The Director may extend compliance timeframes, but not exceeding one year

Exempt Lighting

The following are exempt from the county's lighting regulations:

• Indoor lighting
• Public right-of-way lighting for streets and traffic control
• Sign illumination (for permitted signs)
• Address sign lighting
• Temporary construction or emergency lighting
• Aircraft navigation lights
• Temporary event lighting with appropriate permits
• Seasonal lighting
• Lighting on federal or state government facilities

Supporting San Bernardino County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the delicate balance San Bernardino County aims to achieve with its lighting regulations. As a manufacturer with deep experience in architectural lighting, we appreciate the county's commitment to preserving its distinctive night skies while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

The unique characteristics of San Bernardino County - from its vast desert regions to mountain communities and urban centers - require thoughtful lighting approaches that respect both natural beauty and practical needs. Bock Lighting shares the county's values of responsible illumination that minimizes environmental impact while enhancing community spaces.

Our team is committed to helping community members understand and implement lighting solutions that comply with local regulations while honoring the character of San Bernardino County's diverse landscapes. We recognize that each region within the county has unique lighting requirements, and we're dedicated to serving as an educational resource for residents and businesses navigating these regulations.

Conclusion

San Bernardino County's comprehensive lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing modern development needs with preservation of natural resources and community character. By establishing clear standards for different regions and property types, the county demonstrates an understanding of its diverse landscape and the varying lighting needs across urban, mountain, and desert environments.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with the specific requirements for their region and property type, paying particular attention to technical specifications like color temperature limits, foot-candle restrictions, and curfew requirements. With proper planning and implementation, lighting can enhance safety and aesthetics while preserving the county's magnificent night skies for future generations.