Outdoor Lighting in Orange, CA (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Orange, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Light Trespass & Shielding
Orange bars exterior lighting from shining directly onto neighboring property. Residential fixtures must be controlled to stop glare and to keep light off public sidewalks and streets, while commercial and industrial sites face a hard 0.5 footcandle cap on spillover into residential districts.
Orange Light Trespass and Glare Rules
Some RestrictionsOrange, CA, Municipal Code § 17.12.030 (Lighting)
A. Lighting on any premises shall be directed, controlled, screened or shaded in such a manner as not to shine directly on surrounding premises. Furthermore, lighting on any residential property shall be controlled so as to prevent glare or direct illumination of any public sidewalk or thoroughfares. B. On any commercial or industrial zoned property, glare from exterior lighting shall be shield...
Billboard Lighting
An electronic billboard in Orange's freeway corridor cannot exceed 0.3 foot-candles of light output above the ambient light level, measured with a foot-candle meter at 250 feet, under Municipal Code Section 17.36.180(I). The display must also meet the state Outdoor Advertising Act and Vehicle Code brightness standards.
Orange Electronic Billboard Light Limit
Some RestrictionsOrange, CA Municipal Code § 17.36.180(I) (Billboards: Electronic Billboard Light Intensity)
The maximum intensity of light output produced by an electronic billboard display shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above the ambient light level at any time, as measured using a foot-candle meter at a distance of 250 feet, and shall otherwise comply with Section 5403(g) of the Outdoor Advertising Act and Section 21466.5 of the California Vehicle Code.
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Orange city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Orange County →