Outdoor Lighting in Pasadena, CA (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Pasadena, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Pasadena requires all exterior lighting on private property to be shielded, energy-efficient and directed downward and away from adjoining properties, per Municipal Code Section 17.40.080. Fixtures cannot blink, flash or run unusually bright, and sports court or field lighting within 300 feet of a residential zone needs a Minor Conditional Use Permit.
Pasadena Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rules
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 17.40.080.A, B, D
A.Lighting shall be energy-efficient, and shielded. Lighting shall be energy-efficient, and shielded or recessed so that direct glare and reflections are confined to the maximum extent feasible within the boundaries of the site, and shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way.B.No lights shall blink, flash, or be of high intensity or brightness. No per...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Pasadena caps how much artificial light can spill onto neighboring residential land: Municipal Code Section 17.40.080.A bars any private lighting from producing more than one footcandle of illumination on adjacent residential-zoned property, measured off the light source's own site.
Pasadena Light Trespass Onto Neighbors Limit
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 17.40.080.A
No lighting on private property shall produce an illumination level greater than one footcandle on any property within a residential zoning district except on the site of the light source.
Billboard Lighting
Pasadena bans electrical billboard, sign, and decorative lighting outright under Section 13.08.010, then carves out a narrow exception: Section 13.08.020 lets a billboard be lit only between sunset and 10:30 p.m. Break the curfew and Pasadena Water and Power can cut your electric service until you comply.
Pasadena Billboard Lighting Curfew
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code §§ 13.08.010, 13.08.020
Except as herein otherwise provided, no person, firm or corporation in the city shall at any time make, cause or permit any use of electrical energy for lighting of billboards, signs, advertising goods or services... Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.08.010, each business establishment may operate its window and display lighting and illuminate 2 outdoor signs between the hours of sun...
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pasadena city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Los Angeles County →