Light Trespass: Rancho Cucamonga vs Rialto
How do light trespass rules compare between Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Rialto, CA?
Rancho Cucamonga has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Rancho Cucamonga limits light trespass to 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines under Development Code 17.58. Complaints can be filed with Planning for fixture retrofits or shielding.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Development Code Chapter 83.07 limits glare onto neighboring property. In the Valley Region, lighting may not exceed 0.5 foot-candle at a residential property line (Section 83.07.030). In the Mountain and Desert Regions, the stricter Light Trespass Ordinance caps trespass at 0.1 foot-candle.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rancho Cucamonga | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Residential limit | 0.5 foot-candles | - |
| Commercial limit | 1.0 foot-candles | - |
| Measurement height | 5 feet above grade | - |
| Nuisance law | Civil Code 3479 | - |
| Contact | (909) 477-2750 | - |
| Valley Region limit | - | 0.5 foot-candle at residential property line |
| Mountain & Desert limit | - | 0.1 foot-candle |
| Measurement | - | Photometer at setback line; not during moonlight |
| Shielding | - | Full shielding to preclude trespass |
| Code sections | - | 83.07.030 (Valley); 83.07.040 (Mountain/Desert) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight shines in my bedroom. What can I do?
File a complaint with Code Enforcement; they will measure spill at the property line and order shielding or aiming changes.
Does motion-activated lighting count as trespass?
Yes, if the activated level exceeds 0.5 foot-candles at the property line; motion triggering does not exempt the fixture.
Rialto FAQ
How much light is my neighbor allowed to cast onto my property?
In the Valley Region, lighting may not cause glare above 0.5 foot-candle at a residential property line (Section 83.07.030). In the Mountain and Desert Regions, the limit is a stricter 0.1 foot-candle under the 2022 Light Trespass Ordinance.
How is light trespass measured?
Section 83.07.030(b) describes a quantitative method using a yardstick placed at the building setback line and a photoelectric photometer following the International Commission on Illumination standard. Measurements are not taken when there is a moon in the night sky.
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