Lighting Regulations in San Benito County, California: Preserving Dark Skies While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

San Benito County, with its rich heritage dating back to 1797 when Spanish missionaries founded Mission San Juan Bautista, takes pride in its historical landmarks and natural beauty. The county's exceptional location offers something truly special - topographic and atmospheric conditions uniquely suited for astronomical observation. The presence of Fremont Peak State Park's observatory and star-gazing activities at Pinnacles National Monument has inspired comprehensive lighting regulations designed to protect the night sky while ensuring community safety and security.

These regulations reflect San Benito County's commitment to balancing modern development needs with preservation of its natural and historical resources, creating a framework that respects both practical lighting requirements and the value of dark skies.

Quick Reference Guide

Critical Lighting Requirements in San Benito County:

• Preferred Light Source: Low-pressure sodium lamps throughout the county
• Three Lighting Zones: Different restrictions based on distance from observatories
• Light Output Limits:
• Zone I: 25,000 initial raw lamp lumens per net acre
• Zone II: 50,000 initial raw lamp lumens per net acre
• Zone III: 100,000 initial raw lamp lumens per net acre
• Shielding Required: Most fixtures must be fully shielded to prevent uplight
• Hour Restrictions: Various cutoff times based on lighting class and zone
• Signs: External upward lighting prohibited; internally lit signs need opaque backgrounds

Understanding San Benito County's Lighting Zones

San Benito County's approach to lighting regulation uses a three-zone system that provides greater flexibility at increasing distances from light-sensitive areas.

Zone I - Most Restrictive

• Location: Within 5 miles of Fremont Peak State Park and Pinnacles National Monument
• Total Light Output: Limited to 25,000 initial raw lamp lumens per net acre
• Non-LPS Lighting: Restricted to just 5,500 initial raw lamp lumens per net acre
• Recreational Facilities: Must turn off lights by 9:00 p.m.

Zone II - Transitional Zone

• Location: Extends 8 miles beyond Zone I boundary
• Total Light Output: Limited to 50,000 initial raw lamp lumens per net acre
• Recreational Facilities: Must turn off lights by 11:00 p.m.

Zone III - Least Restrictive

• Location: All remaining areas within the county
• Total Light Output: Limited to 100,000 initial raw lamp lumens per net acre
• Recreational Facilities: Must turn off lights by 11:00 p.m.

Important Note: If your property falls within multiple zones, the more restrictive zone's requirements apply.

Lighting Classifications and Requirements

San Benito County categorizes lighting into three classes, each with specific regulations:

Class 1 Lighting

• Purpose: Where color rendition is essential
• Examples: Outdoor eating areas, retail food service, manufacturing, display lots
• Hours: May remain on until 9:00 p.m. or while the area is in active use
• Requirements:
• Low-pressure sodium lamps above 2,000 lumens must be fully shielded in all zones
• Other lamp types 2,000 lumens and greater prohibited in Zone I, fully shielded in Zones II & III

Class 2 Lighting

• Purpose: General illumination for safety and security
• Examples: Walkways, roadways, parking lots, equipment yards
• Requirements:
• Low-pressure sodium lamps above 2,000 lumens must be fully shielded in all zones
• Other lamp types 2,000 lumens and greater are prohibited in all zones
• All types below 2,000 lumens must be fully shielded in Zone I

Class 3 Lighting

• Purpose: Decorative effects
• Examples: Architectural illumination, flag and monument lighting, tree lighting
• Hours:
• Zone I: Must be off by 9:00 p.m. or when business closes
• Zones II & III: Must be off by 11:00 p.m. or when business closes
• Holiday Exception: Low-wattage holiday decorations may remain on all night from November 15 to January 15

Special Facility Requirements

Public Amusements and Gatherings

• Spectator Areas: 5-10 foot-candles
• Stage Areas: 75-100 foot-candles
• Parking Areas: 1-5 foot-candles
• Lighting Plan Approval: Required by Director of Public Works

Body Art Establishments

• General Lighting: Minimum 20 foot-candles at three feet above floor
• Procedure Areas: Minimum 100 foot-candles where procedures are performed
• Sterilization Areas: Minimum 100 foot-candles
• Instrument Assembly: Minimum 100 foot-candles

Cannabis Businesses

• Security Lighting: Required for perimeter security
• After-Hours Restrictions: No visible illumination during hours of darkness except reasonably necessary security lighting
• Dark Sky Compliance: Must comply with Chapter 19.31 provisions

Service Station Canopies

• Fixture Type: Fully shielded luminaries with flat glass or plastic covers
• Light Output:
• Zone I: Maximum 20 lumens per square foot
• Zones II & III: Maximum 40 lumens per square foot

Sign Lighting Regulations

San Benito County's sign lighting regulations are designed to minimize light pollution while allowing businesses to remain visible:

External Sign Lighting

• Direction: All upward directed sign lighting is prohibited
• Classification: Treated as Class 1 lighting
• Compliance: Must conform to lamp source, shielding restrictions, and lumen limitations

Internal Sign Lighting

• Construction: Must have either:
• Opaque background with translucent letters/symbols, or
• Colored background (not white/cream/off-white/yellow) with lighter letters/symbols
• Hours:
• Zone I: Off by 9:00 p.m. or when business closes
• Zones II & III: Off by 11:00 p.m. or when business closes
• Exemption: Lamps for internal sign illumination are not counted in the lumens per acre limit

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for New Development

• Lighting Plan Required: Applications for building permits, electrical permits for outdoor lighting, and development projects must include lighting plans
• Plan Contents: Site plans showing fixture locations, manufacturer specifications, photometric data
• Compliance Verification: Planning Director must determine compliance before permit issuance

Existing Properties

• Non-Conforming Uses: Existing fixtures installed before the regulations don't need to be removed or modified
• Modifications: If fixtures are modified or replaced, they must conform to current standards
• Abandoned Properties: If a non-conforming use is abandoned for one year, lighting must be brought into compliance when reoccupied

Temporary Lighting Permits

• Duration: Available for lighting not intended to extend beyond 30 days
• Extension: One 30-day extension possible
• Requirements: Must minimize light pollution and trespass to the extent feasible

Supporting San Benito County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares San Benito County's commitment to preserving dark skies while providing safe, functional lighting solutions. We understand the balance required to protect astronomical viewing conditions while meeting the practical needs of businesses and residences.

Our experience with historic communities similar to San Juan Bautista helps us appreciate San Benito County's desire to maintain its distinctive character. Whether you're in Zone I near Fremont Peak State Park or in the less restrictive Zone III, Bock Lighting understands regional architectural styles and the specific requirements of each lighting zone.

We view our role as a community resource, helping property owners navigate lighting regulations while preserving the county's valuable dark sky resources. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with San Benito County's vision for development that respects both heritage and natural resources.

Conclusion

San Benito County's lighting regulations represent a thoughtful approach to preserving dark skies for astronomical observation while ensuring safety and security for residents and businesses. By establishing three lighting zones with graduated restrictions, the county has created a framework that provides the greatest protection near observatories while allowing more flexibility in other areas.

Property owners planning new development or modifications should carefully consider these regulations early in the design process. With proper planning, it's possible to create lighting designs that provide adequate illumination while respecting San Benito County's unique astronomical resources and historic character.

Remember that these regulations aren't just about restrictions – they're about preserving a valuable natural resource that makes San Benito County special: its exceptional night skies.