Carson, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- lighting directed away from homes
- Applies in
- RA/RS/RM, CN/CR/CG, ML/MH, OS/SU
- Standard
- no nuisance or traffic hazard
- Also covers
- arc lights, searchlights
Summary
Carson's zoning code requires exterior lighting on buildings, parking lots, and landscaping to be directed away from adjoining residential property and controlled so it doesn't create a nuisance or traffic hazard - the same standard repeats in every zoning district, from single-family to industrial.
All lighting of buildings, landscaping, parking lots and similar facilities shall be directed away from all adjoining and nearby residential property. Such lighting shall be arranged and controlled so as not to create a nuisance or hazard to traffic or to the living environment. This Section is also applicable to arc lights, search lights and similar lighting devices.
Full Breakdown
The rule is written almost identically into every part of the 1977 Zoning Ordinance: § 9127.1 for the RA/RS/RM residential zones, § 9137.1 for CN/CR/CG commercial zones, § 9147.1 for ML/MH industrial zones, and § 9157.1 for the Open Space and Special Use zones. Each requires lighting on buildings, landscaping, parking lots, and similar facilities to be "directed away from all adjoining and nearby residential property" and controlled so it doesn't become a nuisance or traffic hazard; the standard also reaches arc lights and searchlights. Some individual zones go further - the Mixed-Use - Carson Street corridor separately requires that lighting be "shielded to prevent glare on adjacent properties" (§ 9138.17(D)(13)(c)).
Violations & Fines
Lighting that spills glare onto neighboring residential property violates CMC § 9127.1 (or its Part 3/4/5 counterparts); code enforcement can require fixtures re-aimed or shielded, and site plan approval can be conditioned on compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a numeric brightness limit on outdoor lighting in Carson?
Does the rule apply the same way in every zone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carson
California rules heatmap·Compare Carson to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Light Trespass & Shielding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle light trespass & shielding.