Light Trespass: Altadena vs Pasadena
How do light trespass rules compare between Altadena, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Altadena and Pasadena 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 →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Outdoor lighting in Pasadena must be designed so the light source is not visible from outside the property per PMC 17.46.220. Recreational facility lighting in residential areas requires a Minor Conditional Use Permit per PMC 17.40.080.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | LA County 22.140.470 | PMC 17.40.080 |
| Property Line Limit | 0.5 foot-candle (residential) | - |
| Fixture Type | Fully shielded / cutoff | - |
| Holiday Exemption | Nov 15 – Jan 15 | - |
| Light Source | - | Not visible from outside property |
| Rec Facilities | - | Minor CUP required |
| Enforcement | - | Code Compliance |
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.
Pasadena FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom. What can I do?
File a light trespass complaint with Pasadena 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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