Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Fresno County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Q: My neighbor's floodlight shines in my bedroom—what can I do?

Document with photos, request shielding in writing, then file a nuisance complaint with Fresno County Code Enforcement. Civil action under §3479 is also available.

Q: Can I install motion-activated floodlights?

Yes, but they should be aimed downward, fully shielded, and adjusted so beams do not cross onto neighboring parcels.

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: Fresno County Code Enforcement →

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Key Facts

Civil Remedy: CA Civil §3479
Shielding: Required (Title 18)
Recommended: <0.1 fc at property line
Best Practice: Motion + full cutoff

City-specific rules exist: Sanger, Reedley, Clovis, Selma, and Fresno have their own light trespass rules that differ from Fresno County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Excessive light crossing onto neighboring property may be actionable as private nuisance under CA Civil Code §3479. Fresno County code requires exterior fixtures to be shielded so direct light does not leave the source parcel.

Full Breakdown

Light trespass—illumination from one property that unreasonably interferes with a neighbor's use and enjoyment—can be remedied under Civil §3479 (nuisance). Fresno County Title 18 requires shielding of exterior lighting so the source is not visible from adjacent property. Code enforcement can issue violations where lighting exceeds commonly accepted levels (e.g., IESNA RP-33 recommends <0.1 fc spillover at residential property lines). Injunction and damages available in civil court. Security/safety lighting should use motion sensors, full-cutoff fixtures, and color temperatures ≤3000K.

Violations & Fines

Proven nuisance lighting: code citation; civil injunction plus damages under §3479. Ongoing daily fines possible for unabated violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

My neighbor's floodlight shines in my bedroom—what can I do?

Document with photos, request shielding in writing, then file a nuisance complaint with Fresno County Code Enforcement. Civil action under §3479 is also available.

Can I install motion-activated floodlights?

Yes, but they should be aimed downward, fully shielded, and adjusted so beams do not cross onto neighboring parcels.

How does Fresno County compare?

See how Fresno County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.

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Fresno County, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Fresno County Ordinances

Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours

Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers

Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping

Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones

Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions

Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules

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