Santa Cruz County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Light trespass (unwanted light spilling onto neighboring property) is controlled in unincorporated Santa Cruz County primarily through the lighting standards in County Code Chapter 13.11 (Site, Architectural and Landscape Design Review). The standard requires that all site, building, security, and landscape lighting be directed onto the site and away from adjacent properties, that light sources not be visible from adjacent properties, and that light sources be shielded by landscaping, structure, fixture design, or other physical means. Parking and circulation lighting must use low-rise poles (maximum 15 feet) or building-mounted fixtures, which further limits off-site glare. For signs, County Code 13.10.581 requires that any permitted sign lighting be unobtrusive to adjacent properties with glare directed onto the site, and prohibits illuminated signs in scenic corridors. The zoning code's parking and loading standards also require that, where a parking or loading area is illuminated, the lighting be deflected away from abutting residential sites so as not to cause annoying glare. These provisions apply to development reviewed through the County's discretionary and design-review processes. For ordinary single-family situations not subject to design review, the County does not set a numeric light-trespass limit; neighbors typically rely on these standards through the permit process or on California nuisance law where lighting unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of property.