Dark Sky Rules: Altadena vs Long Beach
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Altadena, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach has fewer restrictions than Altadena.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County's Rural Outdoor Lighting District (ROLD) ordinance, effective 2012, requires fully shielded outdoor lighting and prohibits light trespass in designated rural unincorporated areas. The ROLD covers mountain and rural communities. Mercury vapor lights and drop-down lenses are prohibited.
View full Altadena rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting is regulated through the zoning code Ch. 21.45 which requires shielding of floodlights so light sources are not visible from public rights-of-way or adjacent properties.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| ROLD | Effective since 2012 | - |
| Shielding | All outdoor lighting must be fully shielded | - |
| Mercury Vapor | Prohibited | - |
| Applies To | Rural unincorporated areas | - |
| Dark Sky Ordinance | - | None specific |
| Floodlights | - | Must be hooded/shielded |
| Sign Lighting | - | No beacons, spots, or strobes |
| Code | - | LBMC Ch. 21.45 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Does LA County have dark sky rules?
Yes. The Rural Outdoor Lighting District (ROLD) ordinance restricts outdoor lighting in rural unincorporated areas. It requires full shielding, warm color temperatures, and maximum lumen limits to reduce light pollution.
Am I in the ROLD?
The ROLD covers rural unincorporated communities in the Santa Monica Mountains, northern LA County, and other designated areas. Check with the Department of Regional Planning at (213) 974-6411 or review the ROLD boundary maps on planning.lacounty.gov.
What type of outdoor lights are allowed in ROLD areas?
Fully shielded fixtures (no upward light emission) with warm white color temperature (below 3000K recommended). Maximum lumen output varies by fixture type and location. All new fixtures must be ROLD-compliant.
Long Beach FAQ
What does fully shielded mean?
The fixture must direct all light downward with no light emitted above the horizontal plane. This prevents glare and sky glow while still providing ground illumination.
Can my neighbor's lights shine into my yard?
Most codes prohibit light trespass onto neighboring properties. Contact Long Beach code enforcement if outdoor lights from adjacent properties create a nuisance.
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