Light Trespass: Hesperia vs San Bernardino
How do light trespass rules compare between Hesperia, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
San Bernardino has fewer restrictions than Hesperia.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Development Code Chapter 83.07 limits glare onto neighboring property. In the Valley Region, lighting may not exceed 0.5 foot-candle at a residential property line (Section 83.07.030). In the Mountain and Desert Regions, the stricter Light Trespass Ordinance caps trespass at 0.1 foot-candle.
View full Hesperia rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino Development Code prohibits outdoor lighting that causes glare or light trespass onto neighbors or streets. Typical limits cap residential property-line light to 0.1 footcandle.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Region limit | 0.5 foot-candle at residential property line | - |
| Mountain & Desert limit | 0.1 foot-candle | - |
| Measurement | Photometer at setback line; not during moonlight | - |
| Shielding | Full shielding to preclude trespass | - |
| Code sections | 83.07.030 (Valley); 83.07.040 (Mountain/Desert) | - |
| Residential Limit | - | 0.1 footcandle at property line |
| Nuisance Statute | - | Civil Code 3479 |
| Shielding Required | - | Lamp not visible off-site |
| Mediation Option | - | Inland Fair Housing Board |
| Holiday Exemption | - | Seasonal lights exempt |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
How much light is my neighbor allowed to cast onto my property?
In the Valley Region, lighting may not cause glare above 0.5 foot-candle at a residential property line (Section 83.07.030). In the Mountain and Desert Regions, the limit is a stricter 0.1 foot-candle under the 2022 Light Trespass Ordinance.
How is light trespass measured?
Section 83.07.030(b) describes a quantitative method using a yardstick placed at the building setback line and a photoelectric photometer following the International Commission on Illumination standard. Measurements are not taken when there is a moon in the night sky.
San Bernardino FAQ
My neighbor's flood light shines into my bedroom — what can I do?
Ask the neighbor to shield or reaim the fixture first. If unresolved, file a Code Enforcement complaint citing the outdoor lighting section of the Development Code. Persistent glare into a bedroom can support a private nuisance claim under Civil Code 3479.
Do Christmas lights count as light trespass?
Seasonal holiday decorative lights are typically exempt from lighting standards during the holiday period (commonly November through early January). Year-round string lights aimed at neighbors could be treated as nuisance or violate the outdoor lighting ordinance.
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