Light Trespass: Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do light trespass rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario treats light shining onto neighboring property as a public nuisance under OMC Chapter 30 and zoning Chapter 9, with a typical 0.5 footcandle limit at any residential property line and Code Enforcement response.
View full Ontario 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 | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Line limit | About 0.5 horizontal fc | - |
| Legal basis | OMC Ch 9 / Ch 30 nuisance | - |
| Contact | Code Enforce (909) 395-2025 | - |
| Civil option | Civil Code 3479 | - |
| 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.
Ontario FAQ
How do I prove light trespass?
Document with night photos showing the source and spillover, measure with a smartphone light meter at the property line, then file a Code Enforcement complaint.
Can I sue my neighbor for bright lights?
Yes, California Civil Code 3479 allows a private nuisance action for persistent light trespass after other remedies fail.
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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