Redlands, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Light trespass, meaning light from one property spilling onto a neighboring property or the public street, is addressed in Redlands primarily through the glare-control language in its zoning development standards rather than a standalone trespass ordinance with measured foot-candle limits. Section 18.92.220 of the Municipal Code, applicable in the C-3 General Commercial District, requires lighting facilities to be 'arranged in a manner which will protect the highway and neighboring properties from direct glare or hazardous interference of any kind.' This is the type of standard the City applies, and through development review for commercial, multifamily, and institutional projects the City can require fixtures to be shielded and aimed downward so that light is contained on the project site. For single-family residential situations, there is no specific foot-candle limit; a neighbor's bright security light or floodlight is generally addressed as a private nuisance or through the City's general code-enforcement and nuisance authority rather than a dedicated lighting ordinance. Because the standards are qualitative ('direct glare,' 'hazardous interference'), enforcement focuses on whether a light source creates objectionable glare or spillover rather than a precise measured threshold. Applicants and residents experiencing light-trespass problems should contact Redlands Code Enforcement or Development Services to determine the applicable standard for their situation and zone.