On June 13, 2023, the City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Work Plan outlining key projects aligned with their Strategic Priorities. One of the City-led priorities is the development and adoption of a Dark Sky Ordinance to establish objective lighting standards that help reduce light pollution, protect local wildlife, and preserve views of the night sky. This ordinance will provide clear guidance for lighting levels, fixture specifications, and operational standards for private development throughout the City.

The project is being led by the City’s Community Development Department. The ordinance will be shaped by best practices from other Bay Area jurisdictions and tailored to Mountain View’s unique community and environmental context. 

• Promote sustainable and efficient outdoor lighting
• Minimize skyglow and light trespass, particularly near natural and residential areas
• Support nighttime safety while preserving nighttime ambiance
• Provide objective lighting standards for new and existing development

The project began in June 2025 and will tentatively conclude in Q2 2027. The following steps in the process have been completed:

• Stakeholder meetings and online engagement: Q4 2025

On January 27, 2026, the City Council put this project on temporary hold to address SB 79, a state law that prescribes maximum density near major transit stops. Starting in 2027, the City will begin work on this project again, with the following additional steps:

• Draft ordinance development.
• Public hearings and adoption.

Public Meetings

This project will be heard at the following public meeting:

•  None scheduled. 

Meeting agenda, staff report and materials will be posted at  mountainview.legistar.com the Friday prior to the public hearing date and will include information on meeting location, format, and how to participate. 

For questions, please contact Jeffrey Tsumura, Senior Planner, by phone at (650) 903-6306 or email at Jeffrey.Tsumura@mountainview.gov.

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