Light Trespass: Altadena vs Long Beach
How do light trespass rules compare between Altadena, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Altadena and Long Beach 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 →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach zoning code prohibits sign illumination systems from using beacons, spots, or stroboscopic lights visible from public right-of-way or adjacent properties. Floodlights must be shielded so light source is not visible from dwellings.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Prohibited | - | Beacons, strobes, unshielded floods |
| Shielding | - | Required for all floodlights |
| Residential | - | Light source not visible from dwellings |
| Code | - | LBMC Ch. 21.44, Ch. 21.45 |
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.
Long Beach FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom. What can I do?
File a light trespass complaint with Long Beach 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.
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