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Eureka · Building on your lot

Outdoor lighting in Eureka

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

What Eureka's code says

Eureka code What Eureka's code adds
Fixture height
  • Light fixtures may be no higher than 16 feet.
    Applies: Residential zones; motion sensor lights and lights for upper decks, balconies and outside stairs may be higher if aimed down.
    § 155.308.050 · code text
    Light fixtures in any residential zoning district may not exceed a height of 16 feet.
Light at the property line
  • Lighting may put no more than 1 foot-candle of light on a neighbor's property.
    Applies: Applies on any adjacent residential property.
    § 155.308.050 · code text
    No lighting may produce an illumination level greater than one foot-candle on any adjacent residential property.
Shielding
  • Fixtures must be shielded or recessed so light does not point at buildings, wildlife habitat, neighbors or the public right-of-way.
    § 155.308.050 · code text
    All lighting fixtures must be shielded or recessed so the lighting source is not directed toward other structures, wildlife habitat, adjoining properties, or the public right-of-way.
  • Motion sensor, upper deck, balcony and outside stair lights must point down and away from neighbors and the right-of-way.
    Applies: Residential zones; these lights may be higher than the 16-foot height limit.
    § 155.308.050 · code text
    Motion sensor lights, light fixtures used to light upper floor decks and balconies, and exterior stairs leading to upper floors, must be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and the right-of-way, and may exceed the 16-foot height limitation.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Eureka?

Eureka's code: Fixtures must be shielded or recessed so light does not point at buildings, wildlife habitat, neighbors or the public right-of-way. (§ 155.308.050); Lighting may put no more than 1 foot-candle of light on a neighbor's property. (Applies on any adjacent residential property.) (§ 155.308.050).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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Eureka Municipal Code — full text