Lighting Regulations in Tulare, California: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

Tulare, California, with its rich agricultural heritage dating back to its founding as a railroad town in 1888, has developed lighting regulations that balance modern needs with community values. The city's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to preserving its rural character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide

• Exterior Lighting Direction: Must be directed away from neighboring properties to prevent glare
• Residential Marijuana Cultivation: Lighting cannot exceed 1,200 watts per residence
• Commercial Buildings: Must minimize lighting impacts on adjacent residential areas
• Parking Areas: Must have adequate illumination for safety with a maximum of 0.5 foot-candles spillover to residential properties
• Emergency Shelters: Require minimum maintained horizontal illumination of 1 foot-candle on parking and walkways
• Massage Establishments: Minimum lighting of at least one 40-watt artificial light in service areas
• Sexually Oriented Businesses: Specific foot-candle requirements based on business type

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Preventing Light Nuisance

In Tulare, property owners must ensure their exterior lighting doesn't create problems for neighbors. The city code specifically states that "exterior lighting shall be directed away from abutting properties so as to cause no annoying glare."

Adjustments May Be Required

It's worth noting that even after installation, the city may require adjustments to lighting fixtures if they're causing issues. The regulations indicate that "adjustment of lighting fixtures may be required after they have been installed."

Light Trespass Restrictions

Creating "unreasonable light spillage or glare which cause discomfort or annoyance to reasonable persons of normal sensitivity" is prohibited under Tulare's code. This reflects the city's commitment to maintaining neighborly relations and preventing light pollution.

Commercial & Industrial Lighting Standards

Safety and Security Focus

Tulare encourages exterior lighting for commercial and industrial properties primarily for safety purposes. The code states: "Exterior lighting is encouraged to provide illumination for the security and safety of on-site areas such as parking, loading, shipping and receiving, pathways and other work areas."

Architectural Compatibility

Light fixtures should complement your building's design. According to regulations, "The design of light fixtures should be architecturally compatible with on-site buildings."

Containment Requirements

All commercial and industrial light fixtures must be shielded to keep light within property boundaries, particularly when located near incompatible uses.

Downtown-Specific Requirements

Downtown Tulare has special lighting considerations:

• Fixtures must harmonize with the overall architectural theme
• Building illumination should be selective rather than lighting entire facades
• Entrances should be well-lit for safety and convenience
• Recessed entryways require down lighting

Parking Lot Lighting

Parking area lighting in Tulare must:

• Provide adequate illumination for security and safety
• Use standards proportional to the building's height and use
• Avoid creating nuisances for neighboring properties
• Limit off-site illumination to 0.5 foot-candles when adjacent to residential areas

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Residential Marijuana Cultivation

If you're cultivating marijuana at a residence in Tulare, your lighting cannot exceed a total of 1,200 watts. Additionally, cultivation should not create glare that adversely affects nearby residents.

Emergency Shelters

Emergency shelters must provide "a minimum maintained horizontal illumination of at least one foot candle of light on the parking surfaces and walkways."

Massage Establishments

These businesses must provide "minimum lighting, consisting of at least one artificial light of not less than 40 watts" in each room where services are performed and in all client areas.

Campgrounds and Tent Spaces

These areas "shall be provided with means of lighting the same at night," and public facilities must be illuminated from dusk until dawn.

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These establishments have detailed illumination requirements:

• Retail establishments: 20 foot-candles
• Theaters and cabarets: 5 foot-candles (1.25 during performances)
• Arcades: 10 foot-candles
• Parking areas: 5 foot-candles average maintained horizontal illumination

Fireworks Booths

All lighting in fireworks booths "must be safe and in good condition," with bulbs and fluorescent tubes shielded against breakage or contact.

Street Lighting Standards

New Development Requirements

New developments in Tulare must install street lighting as part of their infrastructure requirements. This lighting must conform to the City of Tulare Standards and Specifications Manual and be installed before occupancy is permitted.

Underground Utilities

The code specifies that "All public utilities shall be installed underground including electrical supply, telephone, street lighting, cable TV and community TV antenna."

Sign Illumination Guidelines

General Permission

Illumination is generally allowed on signs with Planning and Building Director approval, though some signs cannot use internal or indirect lighting.

Billboard Lighting

Billboards may be illuminated if no light is directed onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way. Electronic message displays and LED billboards are permitted with proper approvals from Caltrans and the FAA where applicable.

Emergency Information

LED billboard owners must coordinate with local authorities to display emergency information like Amber Alerts when appropriate.

Historic Preservation Considerations

Commission Guidance

In Tulare's historic districts, the Historic Commission can provide advice on lighting fixture installation. Property owners with buildings over 50 years old are encouraged to seek the Commission's advice regarding lighting.

Alterations to Historic Resources

Changes to lighting fixtures on designated historic resources are considered alterations and may require special permission.

What Property Owners Should Know

Plan Before Installation

Before installing new exterior lighting, consider:

• Direction and shielding to prevent spillover into neighboring properties
• Scale and compatibility with your building's architecture
• Light levels appropriate for the intended purpose
• Potential impacts on surrounding properties

Get Proper Approvals

Many lighting installations may require city approval. Consult with the Planning and Building Department before making significant changes to your property's lighting.

Standards and Specifications

The City of Tulare Standards and Specifications Manual contains detailed requirements for street lighting and other infrastructure. These standards must be followed for all new developments.

Supporting Tulare's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Tulare seeks between functional lighting and maintaining its agricultural heritage and community character. As a manufacturer with deep appreciation for regional architectural styles, we recognize how proper lighting can enhance security while respecting Tulare's historical context.

Our expertise in lighting solutions aligns with Tulare's emphasis on directing light away from neighboring properties and creating architecturally harmonious installations. We're committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through appropriate lighting that meets local regulations.

For Tulare residents and businesses navigating lighting regulations, Bock serves as an educational resource on lighting standards rather than just a product provider. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Tulare's vision for balanced development that respects both growth and preservation.

Conclusion

Tulare's lighting regulations reflect its agricultural roots and community values, focusing on preventing nuisance lighting while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security. By understanding these requirements, property owners can create lighting solutions that enhance their properties while respecting their neighbors and the city's character.

For specific questions about your lighting project, consult with Tulare's Planning and Building Department to ensure compliance with all current regulations.