10-114 – DETERMINATION OF OUTDOOR LIGHTING ZONES AND ADMINISTRATIVE RULES FOR USE
This section establishes rules for implementing outdoor lighting zones to show compliance with Section 140.7 of Title 24, California Code of Regulations, Part 6.
(a) Lighting Zones. Exterior lighting allowances in California vary by Lighting Zones (LZ).
(b) Lighting Zone Characteristics. TABLE 10-114-A specifies the relative ambient illumination level and the statewide default location for each lighting zone.
(c) Amending the Lighting Zone Designation. A local jurisdiction may officially adopt changes to the lighting zone designation of an area by following a public process that allows for formal public notification, review, and comment about the proposed change. The local jurisdiction may determine areas where Lighting Zone 4 is applicable and may increase or decrease the lighting zones for areas that are in State Default Lighting Zones 1, 2 and 3, as specified in TABLE 10-114-A .
TABLE 10-114-A LIGHTING ZONE CHARACTERISTICS AND RULES FOR AMENDMENTS BY LOCAL JURISDICTIONS
Zone | Ambient Illumination | State wide Default Location | Moving Up to Higher Zones | Moving Down to Lower Zones |
LZ0 | Very Low | Undeveloped areas of government design at ed parks, recreation areas, and wildlife preserves. | Undeveloped areas of government design at ed parks, recreation areas, and wildlife preserves can be designated as LZ1 or LZ2 if they are contained within such a zone. | Not applicable |
LZ1 | Low | Rural areas, as defined by the 2010 U.S. Census . These areas include: single or dual family residential areas, parks, and agricultural zone districts, developed portion of government designated parks, recreation areas, and wildlife preserves. Those that are wholly contained within a higher lighting zone may be considered by the local government as part of that lighting zone. | Developed portion of a government designated park, recreation area, or wildlife preserve, can be designated as LZ2 or LZ3 if they are contained within such a zone. Retail stores, located in a residential neighborhood, and rural town centers, as defined by the 2010 U.S. Census, can be designated as LZ2 if the business operate s during hours of darkness. | Not applicable. |
LZ2 | Moderate | Urban clusters, as defined by the 2010 U.S. Census. The following building types may occur here: multifamily housing, mixed use residential neighborhoods, religious facilities, schools, and light commercial business districts or industrial zoning districts. | Special districts within a default LZ2 zone may be designated as LZ3 or LZ4 by a local jurisdiction. Examples include special commercial districts or areas with special security considerations located within a mixed-use residential area or city center . | Special districts may be designated as LZ1 by the local jurisdiction, without any size limits. |
LZ3 | Moderately High | Urban areas, as defined by the 2010 U.S. Census. The following building types may occur here: high intensity commercial corridors, entertainment centers, and heavy industrial or manufacturing zone districts. | Special districts within a default LZ3 may be designated as a LZ4 by local jurisdiction for high intensity nighttime use, such as entertainment or commercial districts or areas with special security considerations requiring very high light levels. | Special districts may be designated as LZ1 or LZ2 by the local jurisdiction, without any size limits. |
LZ4 | High | None. | Not applicable. | Not applicable. |
NOTE: Authority: Sections 25402 and 25402.1, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 25007, 25008, 25218.5, 25310, 25402, 25402.1, 25402.4, 25402.5, 25402.8, and 25943, Public Resources Code.