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Outdoor Lighting

Santa Monica's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Santa Monica, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Light Trespass & Shielding

Exterior lighting may not spill onto neighboring properties at more than 0.5 foot-candles, and all fixtures must use IESNA 'Cut Off' or 'Full Cut Off' optics to prevent glare onto streets and adjacent land.

Key details: Light trespass limit: 0.5 foot-candles on any adjacent property. Required fixture standard: IESNA 'Cut Off' or 'Full Cut Off'. Max pole height (residential): 16 feet. Max pole height (nonresidential): 26 feet. Spotlights above horizon: Prohibited midnight to sunrise.

Noncompliant lighting is subject to code enforcement; property owners may be required to replace fixtures, add shields, redirect lamps, or reduce output to comply with the 0.5 foot-candle limit.

Dark Sky Rules

Santa Monica prohibits mercury vapor lamps, drop-down lenses, searchlights, and any flashing or moving lights, and restricts decorative spotlights from being aimed above the horizon between midnight and sunrise.

Key details: Mercury vapor lamps: Prohibited citywide. Flashing or blinking lights: Prohibited (exception: Pier amusement rides). Searchlights / laser lights: Prohibited. Spotlights above horizon: Prohibited midnight to sunrise. Required optics: IESNA 'Cut Off' or 'Full Cut Off'.

Prohibited lighting fixtures must be removed or replaced. Violations are subject to City code enforcement and may require immediate corrective action.

The Bottom Line

Santa Monica's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Santa Monica is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Santa Monica's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.