Dark Sky Rules: Altadena vs South Gate
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Altadena, CA and South Gate, CA?
Altadena and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
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 →South Gate, 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 South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| ROLD | Effective since 2012 | Effective since 2012 |
| Shielding | All outdoor lighting must be fully shielded | All outdoor lighting must be fully shielded |
| Mercury Vapor | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Applies To | Rural unincorporated areas | Rural unincorporated areas |
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.
South Gate 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.
Compare other topics
See how Altadena and South Gate 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