Santa Monica, CA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Mercury vapor lamps
- Prohibited citywide
- Flashing or blinking lights
- Prohibited (exception: Pier amusement rides)
- Searchlights / laser lights
- Prohibited
- Spotlights above horizon
- Prohibited midnight to sunrise
- Required optics
- IESNA 'Cut Off' or 'Full Cut Off'
Summary
Santa Monica prohibits mercury vapor lamps, drop-down lenses, searchlights, and any flashing or moving lights, and restricts decorative spotlights from being aimed above the horizon between midnight and sunrise.
D. Spotlights and Flood Lighting. Spotlights and flood lighting are permitted for the purpose of emphasizing architectural accents or details on buildings, sculptures, or landscaping, as long as such lighting does not create light trespass. Such lighting shall be prohibited between the hours of midnight and sunrise if projected above the horizon. E. Prohibitions. The following lighting fixtures and systems shall be prohibited: 1. Drop-down lenses; 2. Mercury vapor lamps; and 3. Searchlights, laser lights, or any other lighting that flashes, blinks, alternates, or moves, with the exception of amusement rides located on the Pier, which may have lights that blink, flash and oscillate.
Full Breakdown
Three categories of lighting are banned citywide: drop-down lenses, mercury vapor lamps, and searchlights or laser lights that flash, blink, alternate, or move (the only exception is amusement rides on the Santa Monica Pier). Spotlights and flood lighting used for decorative purposes must be extinguished between midnight and sunrise if they project above the horizon. All fixtures must use IESNA 'Cut Off' or 'Full Cut Off' optics that prevent upward light spill. These rules apply to all new and replacement exterior lighting.
Violations & Fines
Prohibited lighting fixtures must be removed or replaced. Violations are subject to City code enforcement and may require immediate corrective action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install mercury vapor security lights?
Can I put flashing lights on my house or business?
Are uplights for trees or buildings allowed at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle dark sky rules.