Milpitas, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Milpitas Municipal Code Section XIII-C.2.070.C.5 (Lighting and Illumination) sets a numeric light trespass standard: all light fixtures must be located, aimed, and shielded to prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties, and the light level at the property line must not exceed 0.3 foot-candles. Subsection C.3.e adds a proximity rule that reinforces the trespass cap: any light fixture located within 25 feet of a residential zone or a public right-of-way must use an internal or external shield, oriented to minimize light trespass onto the adjacent property or right-of-way line, and if an external shield is used, its surface must be painted black to minimize reflections.

The Section's general shielding rule in Subsection C.3.a already requires fixtures to be directed downward and away from adjoining properties, and Subsection C.6 requires nonresidential outdoor lighting to run on a time clock or photo-sensor and shut off during daylight hours and whenever the building is unoccupied and the light is not needed for security, which further limits nighttime trespass. Multi-unit residential lighting in parking, garage, and carport areas must be maintained at a minimum of one foot-candle at ground level under Subsection D.1.a, and pedestrian aisles at 0.25 foot-candles, so the 0.3 foot-candle property-line cap has to be met without shorting those minimums on-site. Milpitas Planning and Neighborhood Services reviews photometric plans for this compliance before issuing a Building Permit for new or altered exterior lighting.