Palm Springs, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Under PSMC Chapter 93.21, outdoor lighting must not cause light trespass, defined as unwanted illumination crossing onto a neighboring property. Specific standards include: no direct view of the light source (bare bulb) from adjacent residential property, no light above horizontal from the fixture, and illumination at the property line typically not exceeding 0.1 foot-candles in residential areas (higher in commercial). Common offenders include bright garage-mounted floodlights, barn lights on detached structures, motion-activated security lights without shielding, and landscape uplights. Enforcement is complaint-driven. A neighbor can call Code Compliance, which will inspect after dark and measure illuminance with a light meter. Violations trigger a Notice of Violation requiring the owner to re-aim, shield, reduce, or replace the fixture within 30 days. Failure to comply escalates to administrative citations ($100-$500). Security lighting on motion sensors that shut off after 5-10 minutes is encouraged as an alternative to continuous dusk-to-dawn illumination. Tree-mounted fixtures and fixtures aimed toward neighboring windows are particularly problematic.