San Diego County's Light Pollution Code and general nuisance provisions address light trespass — unwanted light spilling onto neighboring properties. Outdoor lighting must be directed downward and shielded. Excessive light affecting neighbors may be cited as a nuisance.
The County's Light Pollution Code requires all outdoor lighting fixtures to be fully shielded and directed downward to minimize light trespass to adjacent properties. Section 51.202 establishes general requirements for outdoor lighting in unincorporated areas. Outdoor lighting that creates a nuisance for neighboring properties may be addressed through Code Compliance. Security lights, sports lighting, and commercial lighting must be designed to minimize off-site impacts. The Light Pollution Code's three-zone system provides specific maximum illumination levels at property lines. Residents experiencing light trespass can file complaints with County Code Compliance. Solutions include fixture repositioning, adding shields, adjusting angles, or reducing wattage.
Light trespass complaints are investigated by Code Compliance. Violations may result in required fixture modifications. Persistent violations may lead to fines.
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code Chapter 6 (Animal Control) and the noise ordinance address barking dogs. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors violate Secti...
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances Section 36.404 sets noise limits by property zone and time of day. Residential zones: 50 dBA daytime (7 AM–10 ...
San Diego County, CA
Vehicles on public streets in unincorporated San Diego County cannot be parked for more than 72 consecutive hours. A vehicle must be moved at least 0.5 miles...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County does not have a blanket overnight parking ban. The 72-hour parking rule applies. Some specific communities or HOAs may impose...
San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County enforces the 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 (adopted under County Code Title 9, Division 1) for smoke alarms. ...
San Diego County, CA
Tree trimming in unincorporated San Diego County is required for defensible space maintenance (branches pruned to 6 feet above ground), utility clearance, an...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle light trespass.
See how Elfin Forest's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.