Buena Park, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BPMC § 19.436.080(H)
- Pole height cap
- 20 feet for surface lots
- Fixture type
- Full-cutoff, energy-efficient pole fixtures
- Building-mounted
- Cannot project above fascia/roof line
- Applies to
- Parking areas open after dark
Summary
Buena Park requires security lighting in residential parking areas to use full-cutoff pole fixtures, stay below 20 feet, and have every luminaire shielded or aimed to prevent light trespass or glare onto neighboring properties.
Lighting. Except for a single-family dwelling, security lighting shall be provided in all parking areas accessible to public entry after dark, subject to the following criteria:
1. Energy-efficient, full-cutoff pole fixtures shall be utilized to provide adequate light levels for safety at parking lots. Use of unhoused, bare bulbs shall be prohibited.
2. Building-mounted lighting fixtures shall not project above the fascia or roof line. Recessed wall mounts are encouraged.
3. Surface parking lot lighting fixtures shall not be on poles over 20 feet in height.
4. High-efficiency technology such as LED lighting with advanced controls shall be utilized to minimize energy consumption of parking lot lighting.
5. All luminaires shall be directed, shielded, or oriented to prevent light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties, rights-of-way and/or driveway areas.
6. All required lighting shall be permanently maintained as a condition of the use. (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)
Full Breakdown
Buena Park Municipal Code § 19.436.080(H) (Chapter 19.436, Development Standards. Vehicular Provisions) requires security lighting in all parking areas accessible to public entry after dark, except for single-family dwellings. Fixtures must be energy-efficient, full-cutoff pole units; bare bulbs are prohibited; building-mounted fixtures cannot project above the fascia or roof line; and surface lot pole fixtures are capped at 20 feet. Every luminaire must be directed, shielded, or oriented to prevent light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties, rights-of-way, and driveway areas, and all required lighting must be permanently maintained as a condition of the use. The rule sits in the residential parking-improvement standards of Title 19 zoning.
Violations & Fines
Failing to shield or aim security lighting as required is a zoning violation under § 19.436.080, enforceable by the Planning Division through code enforcement corrections and permit-conditioning for the parking use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Buena Park require shielded lighting in apartment parking lots?
How tall can parking lot light poles be in Buena Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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