Holiday Light Rules: Glendale vs Long Beach
How do holiday light rules rules compare between Glendale, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach has fewer restrictions than Glendale.
Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale Municipal Code Chapter 13.48 (Nonessential Energy Use) specifically authorizes Christmas decorations to be illuminated between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day, from sunset until one-half hour after business closing or midnight, whichever is later. Outside that window, decorative illumination falls under the chapter's broader nonessential-energy restrictions. Amplified outdoor audio must comply with the GMC noise ordinance.
View full Glendale rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach has no city ordinance regulating the display window or brightness of residential holiday lights. Light trespass is enforced only under LBMC Section 21.32.270 (outdoor lighting standards) for commercial sites and HOA CC&Rs where applicable.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | GMC Chapter 13.48 (Nonessential Energy Use) | - |
| Illumination Window | Thanksgiving – New Year's Day | - |
| Hours | Sunset to midnight (or .5 hr after close) | - |
| Commercial String Lights | Nov 1 – Jan 15 only (GMC 30.33) | - |
| Noise Limits | GMC Title 8 (residential nighttime) | - |
| City Display Window | - | None |
| City Brightness Cap | - | None |
| Title 24 Application | - | Commercial only |
| HOA Authority | - | Davis-Stirling Act |
| Nuisance Backstop | - | LBMC 8.80 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Glendale FAQ
When can I leave my Glendale holiday lights on?
GMC Chapter 13.48 authorizes Christmas decorations to be illuminated between Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day, from sunset to midnight (or one-half hour after business closing, whichever is later). Outside that window, lights fall under nonessential-energy curtailment provisions.
Can my business leave string lights up year-round?
No. GMC Chapter 30.33 (Signs) restricts commercial string lights to the holiday season of November 1 through January 15. Outside that period, commercial string lights are not permitted under the sign code.
Long Beach FAQ
Does Long Beach have a rule on when holiday lights must come down?
No. There is no LBMC display-window restriction on residential holiday lights. HOA CC&Rs may impose private rules under the Davis-Stirling Act.
Can Long Beach fine me for bright holiday lights?
Generally no. There is no city brightness cap on residential holiday lights. Extreme light trespass causing direct glare into a neighbor's window may be cited as a nuisance under LBMC Section 8.80.
Can my Long Beach HOA restrict holiday lights?
Yes. HOA CC&Rs may set display windows, brightness, and sequencing rules. The Davis-Stirling Act, Cal. Civil Code Section 4000 et seq., governs HOA enforcement and dispute resolution.
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