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

140, part of the citywide Design Guidelines chapter, sets the operative light trespass standard for new development. Subsection C requires all exterior lighting to be coordinated as to style, material and color and designed to avoid spillover glare beyond the site's boundaries, particularly where an incompatible use sits close by; the code specifically calls for neutral and earthtone fixture colors and other measures to conceal the light source from adjoining properties and the adjacent public street. Subsection H sets the numeric ceiling: light levels cannot exceed one-half footcandle measured at any residential property line, or one footcandle at any nonresidential property line.

The chapter also requires lighting for the safety of entrances, exits, parking, loading and pathway areas (subsection D), well-lit building facade recesses (subsection E), night lighting along pedestrian routes including stairs, curbs, ramps and crosswalks (subsection F), and illuminated street address numbers on every dwelling and commercial or industrial building (subsection I). 010 states the chapter implements the general plan and provides for aesthetics and design quality across all zoning districts, not just one use type. 140(H).