Outdoor lighting in Dunsmuir: the local rules

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

What Dunsmuir's code says

Dunsmuir code What Dunsmuir's code adds
Brightness or color limit	Fixtures of 400 lumens or less may be unshielded if they have an opaque top. Applies: New fixtures on multifamily, commercial, industrial, public, quasi-public or institutional properties, not single-family homes. § 17.92.130 · code text Fixtures that have a maximum output of four hundred (400) lumens or less, regardless of the number of bulbs, may be left unshielded provided the fixture has an opaque top to prevent the light from shining upward. Motion floodlights up to 3,000 lumens: lit at most 5 minutes per activation, aimed down, unseen from homes or streets. Applies: New fixtures on multifamily, commercial, industrial, public, quasi-public or institutional properties, not single-family homes. § 17.92.130 · code text Motion activated flood lights that have an output of three thousand (3,000) lumens or less, provided that the lamps are not illuminated more than five (5) minutes per activation, the lamp is not visible from adjacent residences or public streets, no direct glare is produced, and the fixture is oriented downward to prevent light from shining upward.
Shielding	Fixtures aim down or at buildings on the same lot; new fixtures generally full cut-off, fully shielded, no upward light. Applies: New fixtures on multifamily, commercial, industrial, public, quasi-public or institutional properties, not single-family homes. § 17.92.130 · code text All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be designed, located, and installed aimed downward or toward structures located on the same premises, retrofitted if necessary, and maintained in order to prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution. Floodlights must point permanently downward, send no light above horizontal and have external shields; unshielded floodlights are prohibited. Applies: Floodlights that are not full cut-off, on new multifamily, commercial, industrial, public, quasi-public or institutional fixtures, not single-family homes. § 17.92.130 · code text Floodlights that do not meet the definition of "full cut-off" may be used if permanently directed downward, if no light is projected above the horizontal plane, and if fitted with external shielding to prevent glare and off-site light trespass.

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What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Dunsmuir?

Dunsmuir's code: Fixtures aim down or at buildings on the same lot; new fixtures generally full cut-off, fully shielded, no upward light. (New fixtures on multifamily, commercial, industrial, public, quasi-public or institutional properties, not single-family homes.) (§ 17.92.130); Floodlights must point permanently downward, send no light above horizontal and have external shields; unshielded floodlights are prohibited. (Floodlights that are not full cut-off, on new multifamily, commercial, industrial, public, quasi-public or institutional fixtures, not single-family homes.) (§ 17.92.130).

Outdoor lighting in Dunsmuir

What Dunsmuir's code says

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