Buena Park, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Buena Park's zoning code provides the city's main light-trespass standard. Lighting on any premises must be directed, controlled, screened, or shaded in such a manner as not to shine directly on surrounding premises, and lighting must be controlled so as to prevent glare on driveways, walkways, and public thoroughfares. The use of unshaded clear bulbs in exterior lighting is prohibited. Together these provisions mean a homeowner's floodlights, security lights, or landscape lighting may not spill directly onto an adjoining property. The code's general performance standards reinforce this by requiring that all uses and activities be operated and maintained so as not to be hazardous, obnoxious, or offensive due to illumination, glare, or similar effects detrimental to public health, safety, and welfare - so persistent, intrusive light onto a neighbor can be treated as a code-enforcement matter or a nuisance. The sign code adds that sign illumination must be directed or controlled to prevent glare on residential property. There is no numeric foot-candle limit at the property line in the city code; enforcement is based on whether light shines directly on, or creates glare for, a neighboring property. Residents experiencing light trespass should document it and contact Buena Park Code Enforcement through Community Development. These are the incorporated city's rules, not Orange County's. (Confirm the current code citation with Planning at 714-562-3620, as section numbers were reorganized in 2024-2025.)