Light Trespass: Altadena vs Glendale
How do light trespass rules compare between Altadena, CA and Glendale, CA?
Altadena and Glendale have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Section 22.140.470 (Outdoor Lighting) requires all outdoor lighting to be shielded so that direct illumination does not cross the property line, with hard caps in residential zones.
View full Altadena rules →Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Outdoor lighting in Glendale must be shielded and directed to prevent light from spilling onto adjacent properties. Light trespass violations may be addressed through code compliance as a nuisance.
View full Glendale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | LA County 22.140.470 | - |
| Property Line Limit | 0.5 foot-candle (residential) | - |
| Fixture Type | Fully shielded / cutoff | - |
| Holiday Exemption | Nov 15 – Jan 15 | - |
| Shielding | - | Required |
| Direction | - | Contained to property |
| Enforcement | - | Code Compliance Division |
| Nuisance | - | Light trespass is enforceable |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Can my neighbor's floodlight shine into my Altadena yard?
No — LA County Code 22.140.470 caps property-line illumination at 0.5 foot-candle and requires shielded fixtures. File a complaint with Code Enforcement.
Glendale FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom. What can I do?
File a light trespass complaint with Glendale code enforcement. Most codes require lights to be shielded and aimed so they don't illuminate neighboring properties.
Are holiday lights exempt from light trespass rules?
Temporary holiday displays are often exempt during the holiday season, typically November through January. However, they still cannot create a safety hazard.
Compare other topics
See how Altadena and Glendale compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool