Light Trespass: Monterey vs Salinas

What can I do about a neighbor's light shining onto my property in Monterey County?

Monterey County General Plan Policy LU-1.13 requires exterior lighting to fully control off-site glare and illuminate only the intended area. You can raise a light-trespass concern with the county's planning/code-compliance staff, who can assess whether the fixture meets this standard and require shielding or redirection.

Is there a specific footcandle limit at the property line in Monterey County?

No. The county does not publish a numeric illuminance limit at property boundaries. Light trespass is judged against the qualitative LU-1.13 requirement that off-site glare be fully controlled and only the intended area be lit, applied through design review.

My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom. What can I do?

File a light trespass complaint with Salinas code enforcement. Most codes require lights to be shielded and aimed so they don't illuminate neighboring properties.

Are holiday lights exempt from light trespass rules?

Temporary holiday displays are often exempt during the holiday season, typically November through January. However, they still cannot create a safety hazard.