Outdoor Lighting in Lake Elsinore, CA (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Lake Elsinore, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
In the City of Lake Elsinore, any outdoor light fixture brighter than 60 watts on nonresidential property must be shielded so it does not shine above the horizontal or spill glare onto neighboring properties and streets, a rule the City ties directly to protecting the night sky near the Mount Palomar Observatory.
Outdoor Lighting Shielding in Lake Elsinore
Some RestrictionsLake Elsinore Municipal Code § 17.112.040
§ 17.112.040. Lighting. All outdoor lighting fixtures in excess of 60 watts shall be oriented and shielded to prevent direct illumination above the horizontal plane passing through the luminaire and prevent any glare or direct illumination on adjacent properties or streets. Due to the City's proximity to the Mount Palomar Observatory, the use of low pressure sodium lighting shall be encouraged.
Light Trespass & Shielding
In the City of Lake Elsinore, LEMC § 17.148.110 requires parking lot lighting for all developments except single-family and duplex dwellings, and it requires fixtures to be positioned so they do not create direct glare onto adjacent property, streets, or the night sky above a horizontal plane through the luminaire.
Lake Elsinore Parking Lot Lighting Glare Rules
Some RestrictionsLake Elsinore Municipal Code § 17.148.110
Adequate parking lot lighting for security purposes shall be required and maintained to effectively illuminate the parking area of all developments, except for single-family and duplex dwellings. Lighting shall be located and designed so as to preclude the direct glare of light shining onto adjacent property, streets, or into the sky above a horizontal plane passing through the luminaire.
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lake Elsinore city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Riverside County →