Outdoor Lighting in Los Angeles County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 18 cities in Los Angeles County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Dark Sky Rules

The Santa Monica Mountains North Area CSD requires all outdoor lighting to be fully shielded and directed downward, turned off from 10 pm to sunrise, with prohibited lighting types including perimeter, aesthetic, and access-road lighting.

Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules

Significant Restrictions

County Code § 22.336.070.M

M.Outdoor Lighting. Permanent outdoor lighting, including street lights, shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 22.80 (Rural Outdoor Lighting District). In addition, properties in the CSD are subject to the following standards:1.Prohibited outdoor lighting. The following types of lighting are prohibited within this CSD:a.Lighting around the perimeter of a parc...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass & Shielding

In the unincorporated Rural Outdoor Lighting District, County Code bans outdoor lighting that causes "unacceptable light trespass" onto neighboring parcels and requires every fixture to be fully shielded, with height and lumen caps enforced by Regional Planning.

Los Angeles County Light Trespass Standard

Some Restrictions

Los Angeles County Code § 22.80.050

Lighting Allowance. For properties located in a Residential, Agricultural, Open Space, or Watershed Zone, outdoor light fixtures installed above 15 feet in height shall have a manufacturer's maximum output rating of no greater than 400 lumens. B. Light Trespass. Outdoor lighting shall cause no unacceptable light trespass. C. Shielding. Outdoor lighting shall be fully shielded.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Billboard Lighting

In unincorporated Los Angeles County, outdoor advertising signs and billboards can't use exposed incandescent lamps over 40 watts, revolving beacons, or flashing operations, and lighted signs can't beam glare onto streets or neighboring property.

Los Angeles County Billboard Lighting Limits

Significant Restrictions

Los Angeles County Code § 22.114.040(A)

Signs which contain or utilize: 1. Any exposed incandescent lamp with a rated wattage in excess of 40 watts. 2. Any exposed incandescent lamp with an internal metallic reflector. 3. Any exposed incandescent lamp with an external metallic reflector. 4. Any revolving beacon light.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗