Dark Sky Rules: Los Angeles vs West Covina
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and West Covina, CA?
West Covina has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles Municipal Code §93.0108 caps new outdoor LED fixtures at 3000K, requires full shielding, and limits trespass to 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. The ordinance applies citywide to new installations, replacements, and permitted remodels but exempts pre-existing fixtures and emergency lighting.
View full Los Angeles rules →West Covina, CA
Los Angeles County
West Covina does not have a specific dark-sky ordinance. Outdoor lighting for new development is reviewed through the planning process per the updated Development Code.
View full West Covina rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | West Covina |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Dark-Sky Ordinance | - | None specific to West Covina |
| New Development | - | Lighting reviewed in planning |
| Code | - | Development Code (March 2024) |
| State | - | No CA statewide dark-sky mandate |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I need to replace my existing lights?
No. Pre-existing fixtures are grandfathered. Replacements, new permits, and tenant improvements that touch the electrical system must comply with §93.0108.
Are holiday lights exempt?
Yes. Temporary seasonal lighting is exempt November 15 to January 15 if pointed downward.
What color temperature is allowed?
New outdoor LEDs are capped at 3000K. Warm-white 2700K is recommended for hillside and residential areas.
West Covina FAQ
What does fully shielded mean?
The fixture must direct all light downward with no light emitted above the horizontal plane. This prevents glare and sky glow while still providing ground illumination.
Can my neighbor's lights shine into my yard?
Most codes prohibit light trespass onto neighboring properties. Contact West Covina code enforcement if outdoor lights from adjacent properties create a nuisance.
Compare other topics
See how Los Angeles and West Covina 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