San Marcos regulates light trespass through its development standards and nuisance provisions. Outdoor lighting must not create glare or excessive illumination on neighboring properties.
San Marcos addresses light trespass through SMMC Title 20 development standards and nuisance provisions. For new development, illumination at the property line must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles in residential zones. Existing properties creating light trespass can be addressed as a nuisance under SMMC Chapter 1.14. Commercial properties adjacent to residential zones must shield all exterior lighting to prevent direct glare onto homes. Security lights should be aimed downward and shielded, not pointed at neighboring properties. Motion-activated lights are preferred for residential security to reduce continuous nighttime illumination. Complaints about light trespass are handled by Code Enforcement, which may require offending fixtures to be re-aimed, shielded, or replaced. The city encourages neighbors to resolve lighting disputes informally before filing complaints.
Code Enforcement notice to correct offending fixtures. Continued light trespass after notice may result in administrative citations. Code Enforcement at (760) 744-1050 x3234.
San Marcos, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle light trespass.
See how San Marcos's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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