Outdoor Lighting in Los Angeles, CA (2026)
5 verified outdoor lighting rules for Los Angeles, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Los Angeles Municipal Code §93.0108 caps new outdoor LED fixtures at 3000K, requires full shielding, and limits trespass to 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. The ordinance applies citywide to new installations, replacements, and permitted remodels but exempts pre-existing fixtures and emergency lighting.
Los Angeles Outdoor Lighting Code (LAMC §93.0108)
Some RestrictionsLight Trespass
LAMC 93.0117 prohibits any stationary exterior light that causes neighboring residential windows, sliding glass doors, or elevated habitable areas to be illuminated by more than 2 footcandles or receive direct glare. Property owners must bring non-compliant lights into compliance upon written notice from LADBS. Holiday decorative lights (300 lumens or less per source) are exempt Nov 25-Jan 15.
Los Angeles Light Trespass Regulations
Some RestrictionsBillboard Lighting
LAMC §14.4.4(D) caps digital billboard illumination, requires minimum four-second dwell time per static image, prohibits animation or video, and mandates ambient light sensors that automatically dim displays at night to limit nuisance to nearby residential properties.
Digital Billboard Brightness and Dwell-Time Limits
Heavy RestrictionsSecurity Light Shielding
LAMC §93.0117 requires outdoor lighting fixtures on private property to be shielded so the bulb or light source is not directly visible from adjacent properties or public rights-of-way. LADBS Information Bulletin P/BC 2020-074 details acceptable cutoff fixture designs.
Outdoor Security Lights Must Be Shielded
Some RestrictionsHoliday Lighting Rules
LAMC §93.0117(B) exempts seasonal decorative lighting from outdoor lighting shielding rules between November 15 and January 15 each year. Outside that window, holiday lights left up year-round must comply with standard shielding and light trespass requirements.
Seasonal Holiday Lights Exempt November to January
Few RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Los Angeles city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Los Angeles County →