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Outdoor lighting in Nevada City

Nevada City'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 Nevada City Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Nevada City's code says

Nevada City code What Nevada City's code adds
Fixture height
  • At most 14 feet or the height of the nearest building, whichever is less.
    Applies: New lighting on sites other than a single-family home or duplex; the Planning Commission may approve a taller fixture.
    § 17.80.215 · code text
    An outdoor light fixture shall be limited to a maximum height of fourteen (14) feet or the height of the nearest building, whichever is less except adjacent to or within a residential area where the height shall be reduced to eight (8) feet.
  • At most 8 feet.
    Applies: New lighting on sites other than a single-family home or duplex, next to or within a residential area.
    § 17.80.215 · code text
    An outdoor light fixture shall be limited to a maximum height of fourteen (14) feet or the height of the nearest building, whichever is less except adjacent to or within a residential area where the height shall be reduced to eight (8) feet.
Light at the property line
  • No more than 1 foot-candle.
    Applies: Lighting on sites other than a single-family home or duplex, measured on any other property in a residential zone.
    § 17.80.215 · code text
    No lighting on private property shall produce an illumination level greater than one foot candle on any property within a residential zone, except on the site of the light source.
Shielding
  • Shielded or recessed, aimed down with at most a 30-degree horizontal deflection, and away from neighbors and rights-of-way.
    Applies: New lighting on sites other than a single-family home or duplex.
    § 17.80.215 · code text
    Lighting fixtures shall be shielded or recessed to minimize light spill to adjoining properties by:

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Nevada City?

Nevada City's code: Shielded or recessed, aimed down with at most a 30-degree horizontal deflection, and away from neighbors and rights-of-way. (New lighting on sites other than a single-family home or duplex.) (§ 17.80.215); No more than 1 foot-candle. (Lighting on sites other than a single-family home or duplex, measured on any other property in a residential zone.) (§ 17.80.215).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Nevada City's outdoor lighting rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Nevada City Municipal Code — full text