Lancaster vs Palmdale
How do security light shielding rules compare between Lancaster, CA and Palmdale, CA?
Lancaster and Palmdale have similar restriction levels.
Lancaster, CA
Los Angeles County
Title 22.140.385 of the LA County Code requires residential and commercial security lighting in unincorporated areas to use full cutoff shields aimed downward, capping property-line spill at 0.5 foot-candles and prohibiting glare onto neighboring dwellings or public ways.
View full Lancaster rules →Palmdale, CA
Los Angeles County
Title 22.140.385 of the LA County Code requires residential and commercial security lighting in unincorporated areas to use full cutoff shields aimed downward, capping property-line spill at 0.5 foot-candles and prohibiting glare onto neighboring dwellings or public ways.
View full Palmdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lancaster | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Fixture standard | Full cutoff, fully shielded | Full cutoff, fully shielded |
| Property line cap | 0.5 foot-candles residential | 0.5 foot-candles residential |
| Hillside cap | 0.1 foot-candles stricter | 0.1 foot-candles stricter |
| Motion lights | Off within ten minutes | Off within ten minutes |
| Enforcement | Code Enforcement, complaint-based | Code Enforcement, complaint-based |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lancaster FAQ
My neighbor's security light shines into my bedroom. What can I do?
File a written light-trespass complaint with LA County Code Enforcement under Title 22.140.385. Inspectors measure spill at the property line and order the neighbor to add shielding or redirect the fixture.
Can I install motion-activated floodlights at my home?
Yes, with proper shielding and downward aim. The fixture must be full cutoff, the spill at the property line cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles, and the light must shut off within ten minutes of motion ceasing.
Palmdale FAQ
My neighbor's security light shines into my bedroom. What can I do?
File a written light-trespass complaint with LA County Code Enforcement under Title 22.140.385. Inspectors measure spill at the property line and order the neighbor to add shielding or redirect the fixture.
Can I install motion-activated floodlights at my home?
Yes, with proper shielding and downward aim. The fixture must be full cutoff, the spill at the property line cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles, and the light must shut off within ten minutes of motion ceasing.
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