Bellflower, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BMC § 17.28.150(E)
- Rule
- shield fixtures from neighboring units
- Applies to
- R-2 medium-density developments
- Related standard
- 100-watt/50-ft common driveway lighting
Summary
Multi-family projects in Bellflower's R-2 zone must shield all lighting fixtures from neighboring residential units, on top of specific wattage standards for driveways, walkways, and parking areas.
Lighting for the proposed project shall be required as follows: ... Shielding. All lighting fixtures shall be shielded from neighboring residential units.
Full Breakdown
Bellflower Municipal Code § 17.28.150 sets lighting standards for R-2 Medium Density Residential development: apartments, condos, duplexes, and planned developments. Subsection (E) requires that all lighting fixtures be shielded from neighboring residential units, on top of specific standards elsewhere in the section: parking areas lit only for the parking area itself, driveways serving more than four units lit to the equivalent of a 100-watt light per 50 feet, and common walkways lit to the equivalent of a 100-watt light per 35 feet. The shielding duty applies to security and site lighting installed as part of the development.
Violations & Fines
Unshielded lighting that spills onto neighboring residential property in an R-2 development violates § 17.28.150(E) and can be cited through the City's Chapter 1.12 administrative citation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bellflower require security lights to be shielded from neighbors?
Does this rule apply to a single-family home's porch light?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellflower
California rules heatmap·Compare Bellflower to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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