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 110.4-A.
(d) Commission Notification, Amended Outdoor Lighting Zone Designation. Local jurisdictions who adopt changes to the State Default Lighting Zones shall notify the Commission by providing the following materials to the Executive Director:
1. A detailed specification of the boundaries of the adopted Lighting Zones, consisting of the county name, the city name if any, the zip code(s) of the re designated areas, and a description of the physical boundaries within each zip code.
2. A description of the public process’ that was conducted in adopting the Lighting Zone changes.
3. An explanation of
how the adopted Lighting Zone changes are consistent with the specifications
of
Section 10-114.
(e) The Commission shall have the authority to not allow Lighting Zone changes which the Commission finds to be inconsistent with the specifications of Section 10-114.
|
Zone |
Ambient |
State wide Default Location |
Moving Up to Higher Zones |
Moving Down to Lower Zones |
|
LZ1 |
Dark |
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. |
A government designated park, recreation area, wildlife preserve, or portions thereof, can be designated as LZ2 or LZ3 if they are contained within such a zone. |
Not applicable. |
|
LZ2 |
Low |
Rural areas, as defined by the 2010 U.S. Census. |
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 rural area. |
Special districts and government designated parks within a default LZ2 zone maybe designated as LZ1 by the local jurisdiction for lower illumination standards, without any size limits. |
|
LZ3 |
Medium |
Urban areas, as defined by the 2010 U.S. Census. |
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 and government designated parks within a default LZ3 zone may be designated as LZ1 or LZ2 by the local jurisdiction, without any size limits. |
|
LZ4 |
High |
None. |
Not applicable. |
Not applicable. |