Light Trespass: Rancho Cucamonga vs San Bernardino
How do light trespass rules compare between Rancho Cucamonga, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Rancho Cucamonga | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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