Elk Grove, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Light trespass limit
- 0.1 footcandle at residential line
- Measured at
- nearest structure or rear setback line
- Also protects
- agricultural and ag-residential property
- Compliance check
- photometric plan at permit stage
- Park exception
- recreation lighting, no-nuisance finding
Summary
Elk Grove caps how much artificial light can spill onto a neighboring home. EGMC § 23.56.030(B)(4) limits illumination measured at the nearest residential structure or rear yard setback line to one-tenth of a footcandle, the same level as moonlight, for multifamily and nonresidential development near residential, agricultural-residential, or agricultural property.
In order to minimize light trespass on abutting residential, agricultural-residential, and agricultural property, illumination measured at the nearest residential structure or rear yard setback line shall not exceed the moon's potential ambient illumination of one-tenth (0.1 fc) foot-candle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4937385; v2 updated 2026-05-13; through 05-13-2026).
Full Breakdown
030(B)(4) of the outdoor lighting chapter. 5 fc minimum, 2 fc average), and building entries (1 fc minimum). 030(B), before the City issues a building permit or approves site improvement plans. 030. 1-footcandle ceiling to agricultural and agricultural-residential land, not just residential lots, protecting farm operations from encroaching development lighting the same way it protects rooftops in the city's master-planned subdivisions.
Violations & Fines
A lighting plan that exceeds the 0.1-footcandle trespass limit at a residential property line fails photometric review under § 23.56.030(B) and cannot receive a building permit or site improvement approval until corrected. Once a project is built, exceeding the limit is a code violation and a public nuisance under EGMC § 1.04.050, punishable as an infraction with fines of $100, $200, and $500 for repeated violations within 12 months under § 1.04.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light can spill onto my neighbor's yard in Elk Grove?
Does the light trespass rule protect farmland at Elk Grove's edge?
How does the City confirm a project meets the light trespass limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elk Grove
California rules heatmap·Compare Elk Grove to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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