Light Trespass: Altadena vs Torrance
How do light trespass rules compare between Altadena, CA and Torrance, CA?
Altadena and Torrance 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 →Torrance, CA
Los Angeles County
Outdoor lighting that causes glare or disturbance to neighboring properties can be addressed through nuisance code enforcement. No specific lux/footcandle limits codified.
View full Torrance rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Nuisance | - | Excessive light = enforceable |
| Specific Limits | - | Not codified |
| Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement Division |
| CA Title 24 | - | Energy efficiency standards apply |
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.
Torrance FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom. What can I do?
File a light trespass complaint with Torrance 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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