Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Rule: No unacceptable light trespass onto neighbors
Shielding: Fixtures must be fully shielded
Lumen cap: 400 lumens above 15 feet tall
Max height: 20-35 feet depending on zone
Applies in: Rural Outdoor Lighting District only

Summary

In the unincorporated Rural Outdoor Lighting District, County Code bans outdoor lighting that causes "unacceptable light trespass" onto neighboring parcels and requires every fixture to be fully shielded, with height and lumen caps enforced by Regional Planning.

City-specific rules exist: West Covina, El Monte, Norwalk, Compton, Carson, South Gate, Glendale, Pasadena, Palmdale, Pomona, Lakewood, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Downey, Lancaster, Long Beach, and Santa Clarita have their own light trespass & shielding rules that differ from Los Angeles County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Lighting Allowance. For properties located in a Residential, Agricultural, Open Space, or Watershed Zone, outdoor light fixtures installed above 15 feet in height shall have a manufacturer's maximum output rating of no greater than 400 lumens. B. Light Trespass. Outdoor lighting shall cause no unacceptable light trespass. C. Shielding. Outdoor lighting shall be fully shielded.

Source: LA County Code Title 22, Chapter 22.80 - Rural Outdoor Lighting District (Light Trespass Standards)View official code

Full Breakdown

Los Angeles County Code Section 22.80.050 governs the Rural Outdoor Lighting District (ROLD), a supplemental zoning overlay covering rural unincorporated areas mapped on Figure 22.80.030-A. Subsection B flatly bans "unacceptable light trespass" from any outdoor fixture, and Subsection C requires every fixture to be fully shielded so no light escapes above the horizontal plane at its base. Fixtures over 15 feet tall are capped at 400 lumens, and maximum pole height runs from 20 feet in residential and agricultural zones up to 35 feet in industrial zones. The Director of Regional Planning enforces the standard and can require noncompliant fixtures removed or retrofitted.

Violations & Fines

Regional Planning code enforcement can order noncompliant fixtures shielded, relamped, or removed on inspection or neighbor complaint; unresolved cases proceed as a public nuisance abatement under Title 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this rule apply to the City of Los Angeles?

No. Section 22.80.050 only binds unincorporated County land inside the Rural Outdoor Lighting District; the City of Los Angeles and the county's 87 other cities set their own lighting rules.

What counts as unacceptable light trespass?

The code doesn't set a numeric limit; the Director of Regional Planning decides case by case whether a fixture's spill onto a neighboring parcel is unacceptable, based on complaints and site inspection.

Sources & Official References

[1]Los Angeles County Code, Chapter 22.80 (Municode)

Other rules in Los Angeles County

Billboard LightingSignificant Restrictions Dark Sky RulesSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Los Angeles County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County 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.