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Outdoor lighting in Fresno

Fresno's own rules on outdoor lighting, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Fresno Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Fresno's code says

Fresno code What Fresno's code adds
Light at the property line
  • Light cast onto the property may not exceed 0.5 foot-candle.
    Applies: Residentially zoned property or any property with homes on it.
    § 15-2015 · code text
    No light, combination of lights, or activity shall cast light exceeding 0.5 foot candle onto a residentially zoned property, or any property containing residential uses.
Shielding
  • Light fixtures must be shielded and meet the Cut Off or Full Cut Off standard.
    Applies: Development, rebuilds, use changes, added units, discretionary permits, additions of at least 20% or 2,500 sq ft (whichever is less). Not single-unit homes or duplexes.
    § 15-2015 · code text
    All lighting fixtures shall be shielded so as not to produce obtrusive glare onto the public right-of-way or adjoining properties. All luminaries shall meet the most recently adopted criteria of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) for "Cut Off" or "Full Cut Off" luminaries.
  • Fixtures must direct light away from neighboring properties and public streets.
    § 15-2508 · code text
    Lights shall be placed to deflect light away from adjacent properties and public streets, and to prevent adverse interference with the normal operation or enjoyment of surrounding properties.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Fresno?

Fresno's code: Light fixtures must be shielded and meet the Cut Off or Full Cut Off standard. (Development, rebuilds, use changes, added units, discretionary permits, additions of at least 20% or 2,500 sq ft (whichever is less). Not single-unit homes or duplexes.) (§ 15-2015); Light cast onto the property may not exceed 0.5 foot-candle. (Residentially zoned property or any property with homes on it.) (§ 15-2015).

General information, not legal advice.

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Fresno Municipal Code — full text