Alameda County treats light trespass onto neighbors as nuisance under Title 17 and Civil Code 3479. Residential fixtures cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles at adjacent property lines.
Light trespass in Alameda County occurs when outdoor lighting from one property crosses property lines and creates glare, reduces privacy, or interferes with sleep on neighboring properties. Unincorporated county Title 17 and most city zoning codes set maximum illumination limits at property lines, typically 0.5 foot-candles residential and 1.0 foot-candle commercial. Fixtures must be shielded to direct light downward and onto the owner's property only. California Civil Code 3479 defines nuisance broadly to include anything that interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of property, which courts have applied to excessive lighting. Remedies include code enforcement, civil nuisance suits, and injunctions. Common problem fixtures include flood lights aimed horizontally, unshielded LED security lights, and bright landscape uplighting. Motion sensors with 5-10 minute timers typically comply while maintaining security. Document intrusion with photos and foot-candle meter readings before escalation.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Alameda County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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