Davis addresses light trespass through its outdoor lighting ordinance, Article 8.17 of the Davis Municipal Code (Ordinance 1966, 1998). Light trespass is defined as artificial light producing unnecessary and unwanted illumination of an adjacent property, and regulated fixtures must limit trespass and glare through shielding and directional lighting.
Under DMC Article 8.17, light trespass means artificial light that produces unnecessary and unwanted illumination of an adjacent property. The general requirements (Section 8.17.030) direct that, for outdoor fixtures installed after the ordinance's effective date on commercial, industrial, and multifamily property, light trespass and glare be limited to a reasonable level through shielding and directional methods, including fixture location and height. Fully shielded fixtures — which emit no light above the horizontal plane — are the primary tool for controlling trespass onto neighboring lots. While single-family lighting is not subject to mandatory shielding, excessive light spilling onto a neighbor may also be addressed as a nuisance under the city's general nuisance provisions.
Regulated non-residential fixtures that cast unshielded light onto adjacent properties violate Article 8.17 and can be required to add shielding or be redirected. Persistent light spill from any property may also be pursued as a nuisance through code enforcement.
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