Light Trespass: Martinez vs Walnut Creek

Martinez regulates exterior residential lighting to prevent glare, light trespass, and excessive illumination onto neighboring properties. Exterior fixtures should be shielded and directed downward; overly bright security lighting or unshielded floodlights that spill onto adjacent lots may constitute a nuisance subject to code enforcement.

Walnut Creek prohibits light glare and spillover onto neighboring properties and public rights-of-way. Property owners must shield and direct outdoor lighting to avoid creating a nuisance, with enforcement through code compliance and nuisance provisions of the Municipal Code.