Arcadia, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Section 9103.01.120 applies to any exterior lighting that is not inside a fully enclosed building or structure. Its stated aim is to balance safety and security lighting against light trespass (spill light), light pollution and glare onto surrounding properties. Every fixture must be shielded or recessed so direct glare and reflections stay within the site to the maximum extent feasible, and it must be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way. Fixtures must be full-cutoff to avoid glare and up-light, and must be appropriate in scale, intensity and height to the use they serve. Lighting on private property cannot produce more than 1.0 foot-candle on any property in a residential zoning district, except on the site of the light source.

No permanently installed lighting can blink, flash or be of unusually high intensity of brightness. The prohibited fixtures are uplighted and back-lighted canopies or awnings, searchlights (except at a special or temporary event authorized by a Temporary Use Permit), flashing lights (except with a security alarm system), roof-mounted lights, and any light that imitates or interferes with a traffic signal or other necessary safety or emergency light. Fixtures legally allowed or authorized before the effective date of the ordinance can be maintained.

Three categories are exempt: exterior lights for a temporary event with a Temporary Use Permit, temporary holiday decoration lights, and emergency lighting or lighting erected for official purpose by a local, State or federal agency. Parking lots carry a further rule in § 9103.07.060: lighting is hooded and arranged to reflect away from adjoining properties and streets, light standards top out at 20 feet, and within 100 feet of residentially zoned property they cannot exceed 15 feet.