San Diego Outdoor Lighting (2025): Low-Voltage vs Line-Voltage, Dark-Sky, Design, Costs & Permits

Q: Do I need a permit for outdoor lighting?

In the City of San Diego, most new electrical work (including low-voltage lighting systems) requires an Electrical Permit. Minor repair-in-kind is the usual exemption. We confirm the cleanest path for each project and include any shielding/BUG documentation the City requests for §142.0740.

Q: How many fixtures do I need?

Most homes land between 12 and 36 fixtures depending on yard size and layers (paths, walls, trees, pergola). We design by scene, not just count.

Q: What color temperature is best?

2700–3000K warm white is ideal for comfort and dark-sky friendliness; City policy generally caps nominal CCT around ≤4000K.

Q: Will my neighbors be bothered by glare?

Not if we shield sources, aim at surfaces, and dim late. We use forward-throw optics, louvers, and curfew scenes to minimize spill; 11 p.m.–6 a.m. is the typical curfew expectation in Coastal contexts.

Q: How do you size the transformer?

We total the VA of fixtures per run, allow headroom, and select cable gauges to keep voltage drop modest. Larger estates often use multiple transformers.

Q: What’s the maintenance like?

Minimal: wipe lenses, trim plants, re-aim seasonally, and check schedules. We offer annual service to keep everything tuned.

Q: How deep do you bury low-voltage landscape cable?

Per listing and the 2022 CEC Table 300.5 footnotes: some listed low-voltage systems allow reduced cover; certain pool/spa LV runs in nonmetallic raceway are permitted at about 6 inches cover. We bury per listing and soil conditions.

Q: Can lights be closer than 5 feet to a pool?

Yes, if they are listed low-voltage luminaires that do not require grounding and are supplied by a listed pool/spa transformer per NEC 680.22(B)(6). Otherwise, maintain standard clearances.

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025

Updated August 2025 — San Diego County

Written by:

Luke W., Founder & Owner of INSTALL-IT-DIRECT

Luxury Landscape Design & Build Expert • 16+ Years in San Diego

Reviewed by:

Chris MacMillan, General Manager

ICPI Certified • CA CSLB License #947643

Last reviewed: August 2025 · About our process

6,000+ 5-star reviews since 2009 • Fully licensed & insured in California

Looking for outdoor lighting that’s gorgeous at night and code-clean by day? This is the definitive San Diego guide to low-voltage vs line-voltage rules, dark-sky friendly design, transformer sizing, fixture placement, costs, permits, and timelines—so you get a beautiful, neighbor-friendly yard that passes inspection and boosts curb appeal.

TL;DR — 2025 Outdoor Lighting in San Diego

Permits: In the City of San Diego, most new outdoor lighting work (even low-voltage systems) requires an Electrical Permit (Simple “No-Plan” for minor installs). Submittals must show compliance with SDMC §142.0740 Outdoor Lighting (shielding/BUG where applicable); curfew rules apply. Minor repair-in-kind is the typical exemption.
Dark-sky best practice: Use 2700–3000K CCT, full-cutoff/forward-throw optics, shields on accents, and dimmable scenes. City policy generally limits outdoor CCT to around ≤4000K nominal, with stricter expectations in the Coastal Overlay.
Quick ranges (installed): Quality fixtures typically $95–$240/fixture. Packages: 12-fixture ~ $3k–$6k; 24-fixture ~ $5.5k–$11k; 36-fixture ~ $8.5k–$16.5k depending on access, wiring, and controls.
Timeline: Design 2–5 days → Install 1–3 days → Aim/night-tuning same week.

Code & Permits (Low-Voltage vs Line-Voltage)

Low-voltage (12/24V): Transformer fed from a 120V circuit; fixtures use LV cable in landscape. Use listed components (UL 1838/2108), burial depths per listing/CEC, weather-resistant (WR) devices, and in-use covers where required.
Line-voltage (120V): For wall sconces, step lights tied to house circuits, or pergola fixtures. Requires proper boxes, conduit/cable types, GFCI/AFCI where required, and an electrical permit.
Wet/damp locations: Choose fixtures and boxes rated for the location; seal penetrations; use anti-wick drip loops.
Grounding/bonding: Bond metal enclosures and follow manufacturer instructions; integrate with the existing grounding system when required.
Panels & loads: We verify spare amperage and breaker spaces; smart controls often need neutral and network coverage.

Permit path (City of San Diego): Electrical permits are required for most electrical work. For minor installations, the City issues Simple (No-Plan) Electrical Permits. Larger scopes or historic properties may need plan review. Outdoor lighting must comply with §142.0740 (shielding/BUG where applicable).

San Diego — What Inspectors Look For

Shielding/BUG: Provide manufacturer cut sheets demonstrating BUG compliance where required by §142.0740. In the Coastal Overlay, submittals commonly document shielding and BUG explicitly per Coastal review practice and staff guidance.
Curfew: Most outdoor lighting must be off from 11:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. with defined exceptions (security/active use) in Coastal contexts; the City/Coastal documents commonly reference this curfew expectation.
CCT: City policy generally caps nominal CCT around ≤4000 K; 2700–3000 K is recommended for comfort and dark-sky performance.
Coastal/ESHA: Properties in the Coastal Overlay and near sensitive biology face stricter shielding/trespass controls; BUG evidence is frequently requested in permits/reviews.

Dark-Sky & Coastal Friendly Lighting

Color temperature: Target 2700–3000K warm white for comfort and reduced skyglow; City policy generally limits outdoor CCT to ~4000K nominal.
Shielding: Use full-cutoff or forward-throw optics; add cowls/visors on accents; limit unrestricted uplight.
Glare control: Hide sources from typical viewing angles; aim at surfaces (walls, trees) not eyes.
Light trespass: Keep spill below neighbor windows/fences; dim late evening (scenes/curfew).
Coastal air & finishes: Select marine-grade coatings, sealed gaskets, and stainless fasteners.

Design Framework (Layers, Heights & Spacing)

Path & step safety: 12–24″ mount height; 10–14′ spacing for gentle overlap; shield to avoid hotspots.
Wall wash & grazing: 1–2′ from surface; wide floods for stucco/stone; tight grazers to reveal texture.
Accent/uplit trees: Aim for canopy edges; multiple angles on feature trees; use louvers/caps to cut glare.
Moonlight (downlighting): Mount in pergolas or trees, shielded and aimed through foliage for soft shadows.
Scenes: Program at least three: Arrival (drive/path), Entertaining (patio/kitchen), Late (dimmed security).

Fixture Planning Cheatsheet (Illustrative)
Layer	Typical Output	Beam / Placement	Notes
Path / Step	~150–300 lm @ 2700–3000K	Shielded; 10–14′ spacing	Avoid glare into walkways/doors
Wall Wash	~300–600 lm wide flood	1–2′ off wall, 15–30° tilt	Even wash > hotspots
Accent / Tree	~400–900 lm spot	15–36° beams	Use shields/louvers
Down / Moonlight	~300–600 lm	High mount, dappled aim	Shield source; dim for curfew

Transformer & Wiring (Sizing Without Guesswork)

Load calc: Add the VA (or watts) of all fixtures on a transformer; target ~80–90% of rated VA for headroom.
Voltage drop: Keep drop modest (commonly <10–15%). Use thicker cable and hub wiring for long runs or higher loads.
Controls: Astronomical timer, photo sensor, app/Wi-Fi dimming, and scene control simplify curfews.

Burial & separation (low-voltage): Follow the product listing and the 2022 California Electrical Code. CEC Table 300.5 allows reduced cover depths for listed low-voltage lighting systems per instructions; certain pool/spa LV runs in nonmetallic raceway are permitted at ~6″ cover. Keep Class 2/landscape wiring separate from line-voltage unless barriers/conditions in 725.136 are met. We specify depths per listing, avoid sharing conduit with 120 V, and use direct-bury cable or conduit as required.

Quick Planning Chart (Illustrative — final sizing per layout)
Run Length (one leg)	Recommended Cable	Typical Max Load per Run	Notes
≤ 75 ft	14 AWG	~120–150 VA	Short hub runs
75–150 ft	12 AWG	~150–220 VA	Most landscapes
150–250 ft	10 AWG	~220–300 VA	Long runs / estates

Integrations (Kitchens, Pergolas, Driveways & Pools)

Pergolas: Down-lights for tables, warm uplights for rafters, heater circuits separated, dimmable scenes.
Outdoor kitchens: Task lighting at prep/grill zones; shield to avoid smoke glare; toe-kick/under-cap LEDs for safety.
Driveways & steps: Recessed step/wall lights; bollards or low glare path lights; linear channels at grade changes.
Water & pool areas: Manage glare/reflections; follow pool proximity rules—listed low-voltage luminaires can be closer than 5′ only when they meet NEC 680.22(B)(6) conditions (listed, not requiring grounding, supplied by a listed pool/spa transformer). We coordinate with your inspector.

Costs (2025 — Installed Ranges & Packages)

Per-Fixture & Package Ranges (San Diego Typical)
Item	Typical Range	Includes
Quality LED fixtures (each)	$95–$240	Fixture body, lamp/module, stake/bracket
Transformers	$250–$900+	Timer/photocell; smart adds more
Controls / Smart	$150–$800+	App dimming, scenes, Wi-Fi bridge

Installed Package Scenarios (Typical Access & Runs)
Package	What’s Included	Typical Installed
Good — 12 fixtures	Paths, entry wash, a few accents; standard transformer; timer/photocell	$3,000–$6,000
Better — 24 fixtures	Adds pergola/patio layers; smart controls; hub wiring	$5,500–$11,000
Best — 36+ fixtures	Full property scenes, premium fixtures, multi-transformer	$8,500–$16,500+

Adders that change price: Long hardscape crossings, coring through walls, directional boring, panel upgrades, marine-grade fixtures, HOA/ARC revisions.

Typical Timeline

Design & selections: 2–5 days (night walk, zones, scenes, controls).
Permits (if needed): 0–2 weeks (line-voltage or larger scopes). Simple Electrical Permits are typically issued quickly once fees are paid.
Install: 1–3 days; aim & night-tuning the same week.

Quote Comparison Checklist

Site photos (day & night) + a quick video walk-through.
Plan markups: paths/steps, focal trees, walls/facades, pergola/kitchen zones.
Fixture schedule: types, finishes, CCT (2700–3000K), optics, shields; include BUG where required by City.
Transformer & runs: VA loading, cable gauges, hub locations, controls.
Electrical: panel space, breaker sizes, any new 120V circuits.
Dark-sky controls: scenes, dim/curfew schedules, neighbor-friendly aiming.
Warranty & service: fixture/driver warranties, seasonal aim check.

Related cost & permitting guides:

Still building your outdoor room? Compare surfaces: Concrete vs. Pavers and Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers. Planning a pool or driveway? See Pool Deck Pavers and Paver Driveway Cost.

Serving San Diego County: Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Poway, Fairbanks Ranch, Oceanside, San Marcos, and more.

FAQs

Do I need a permit for outdoor lighting?

In the City of San Diego, most new electrical work (including low-voltage lighting systems) requires an Electrical Permit. Minor repair-in-kind is the usual exemption. We confirm the cleanest path for each project and include any shielding/BUG documentation the City requests for §142.0740.

How many fixtures do I need?

Most homes land between 12 and 36 fixtures depending on yard size and layers (paths, walls, trees, pergola). We design by scene, not just count.

What color temperature is best?

2700–3000K warm white is ideal for comfort and dark-sky friendliness; City policy generally caps nominal CCT around ≤4000K.

Will my neighbors be bothered by glare?

Not if we shield sources, aim at surfaces, and dim late. We use forward-throw optics, louvers, and curfew scenes to minimize spill; 11 p.m.–6 a.m. is the typical curfew expectation in Coastal contexts.

How do you size the transformer?