Light Trespass: Altadena vs Santa Monica
How do light trespass rules compare between Altadena, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Altadena and Santa Monica 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 →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Outdoor lighting in Santa Monica must not create glare or light trespass per SMMC §9.21.080. Violations of lighting standards are enforceable under the property maintenance code. No flashing, strobing, or unshielded lights toward residential properties.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code | - | SMMC §9.21.080 |
| Prohibited | - | Glare toward residential |
| Enforcement | - | Property maintenance code |
| Shielding | - | Required for exterior fixtures |
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.
Santa Monica FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom. What can I do?
File a light trespass complaint with Santa Monica 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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