Los Angeles, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Illumination limit on neighbor's property
- 2 footcandles (21.5 lux) maximum
- Protected areas on neighboring parcels
- Windows, sliding glass doors, habitable decks/balconies, ground recreation/lawn areas
- Holiday light exemption
- ≤300 lumens/bulb, November 25 to January 15 only
- Frosted-bulb exemption
- Frosted sources emitting ≤800 lumens are exempt
- Tennis court lights
- Permitted with full cut-off fixtures, ≤20 ft height, ≤50 footcandles on surface, off by 10 pm
- Enforcement trigger
- Written notice from the Department of Building and Safety
Summary
LA prohibits exterior lighting that causes more than two footcandles of illumination on neighboring residential windows, decks, balconies, or ground areas, or that produces direct glare onto those surfaces.
SEC. 93.0117. OUTDOOR LIGHTING AFFECTING RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.
(b) No person shall construct, establish, create, or maintain any stationary exterior light source that may cause the following locations to be either illuminated by more than two footcandles (21.5 lx) of lighting intensity or receive direct glare from the light source. Direct glare, as used in this subsection is a glare resulting from high luminances or insufficiently shielded light sources that is in the field of view.
1. Any exterior glazed window or sliding glass door on any other property containing a residential unit or units.
2. Any elevated habitable porch, deck or balcony on any other property containing a residential unit or units.
3. Any ground surface intended for use but not limited to recreation, barbecue, or lawn areas on any other property containing a residential unit or units. EXCEPTIONS: Subsection (b) shall not apply to:
1. Any frosted light source emitting 800 lumens or less.
2. Any other light source emitting more than 800 lumens where the light source is not visible to persons on other residential property.
4. Decorative lights with individual light sources emitting 300 lumens or less and temporarily installed between November 25 and January 15 of the next year.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 93.0117 bars any person from maintaining a stationary exterior light source that illuminates a neighboring residential property's windows, doors, elevated habitable decks/balconies, or recreational yard areas with more than 2 footcandles (21.5 lux), or that produces direct glare. Direct glare means glare from high luminances or insufficiently shielded sources in the field of view. Exempt sources include frosted bulbs emitting 800 lumens or less, lights not visible from neighboring residential property, and seasonal decorative lights (300 lumens or less per bulb, Nov 25 to Jan 15). Tennis/paddle-tennis court lights are conditionally allowed under strict shielding and curfew rules.
Violations & Fines
Compliance is required upon written notice from the Department. Violations are enforced under the Los Angeles Electrical Code; continuing violation after notice may result in standard LAMC enforcement actions. The provision does not specify a fixed fine amount; enforcement follows general LAMC code enforcement procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor's security light shines into my bedroom window: what can I do?
Are holiday Christmas lights allowed?
Does this rule apply to tennis court lights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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Light Trespass & Shielding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle light trespass & shielding.