Cupertino, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Light trespass limit
- 0.1 foot-candle at property line
- Off-site glare cap
- Not visible above 3 ft at right-of-way
- Site illumination cap
- 10 foot-candles at finished grade
- Fence-line security lights
- Barred if they cause light trespass
- String lights on fences
- Barred if light spills to neighbor
Summary
Cupertino caps light spilling onto a neighboring lot at 0.1 foot-candle measured at the shared property line, bars glare visible above three feet at the public right-of-way, and separately bans fence-line security lights and string lighting that cause light trespass.
No exterior light, combination of exterior lights, or activity shall cast light exceeding zero point one (0.1) foot-candle onto an adjacent or nearby property, with the illumination level measured at the property line between the lot on which the light is located and the adjacent lot, at the point nearest to the light source, except if two adjacent properties are non-residential, or function as a shopping center, and agree to coordinate lighting. ... Security lights intended to illuminate a perimeter, such as a fence line, are permitted only if such lights do not result in light trespass. ... Attached to a fence in a manner that permits light trespass to adjacent property.
Full Breakdown
1 foot-candle onto an adjacent or nearby property, measured at the property line at the point nearest the light source, unless both neighboring properties are non-residential or a shopping center and agree to coordinate lighting. Direct off-site glare cannot be visible above three feet at a public right-of-way, and overall site illumination is capped at a maintained 10 foot-candles at finished grade. The section separately targets two common trespass sources named in the ordinance: security lights aimed at a perimeter, such as a fence line, are permitted only if they do not cause light trespass, and string lighting is barred from being attached to a fence in a manner that lets light spill onto the adjacent property.
Motion-activated security lights are additionally capped at a 100-watt incandescent equivalent or 1,600 lumens, whichever is less, and must be controlled by a programmable motion sensor that shuts off within 10 minutes.
Violations & Fines
Light trespass under Chapter 19.102 is enforced as a Title 19 violation under Section 19.04.070, a misdemeanor punishable per Chapter 1.12.010 by up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, with each continuing day counted as a separate offense under Section 1.12.020. The Director of Community Development can require a photometric plan showing initial and maintained lighting levels, including impacts on adjacent properties, before approving a project under Section 19.102.040(A)(3).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light can spill onto my neighbor's yard in Cupertino?
Can I mount a security light on my fence facing a neighbor?
Are string lights on a backyard fence regulated?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino 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 Santa Clara County handle light trespass & shielding.