Alameda County treats light trespass onto neighbors as nuisance under Title 17 and Civil Code 3479. Residential fixtures cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles at adjacent property lines.
Light trespass in Alameda County occurs when outdoor lighting from one property crosses property lines and creates glare, reduces privacy, or interferes with sleep on neighboring properties. Unincorporated county Title 17 and most city zoning codes set maximum illumination limits at property lines, typically 0.5 foot-candles residential and 1.0 foot-candle commercial. Fixtures must be shielded to direct light downward and onto the owner's property only. California Civil Code 3479 defines nuisance broadly to include anything that interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of property, which courts have applied to excessive lighting. Remedies include code enforcement, civil nuisance suits, and injunctions. Common problem fixtures include flood lights aimed horizontally, unshielded LED security lights, and bright landscape uplighting. Motion sensors with 5-10 minute timers typically comply while maintaining security. Document intrusion with photos and foot-candle meter readings before escalation.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County noise ordinance (Chapter 6.60) sets detailed dB limits by zone and time. Residential nighttime (10 PM–7 AM): 45 dBA for 30+ min/hr, up to 65 d...
Alameda County, CA
Outdoor music in unincorporated Alameda County requires compliance with residential decibel limits and typically a temporary use or special event permit for ...
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County unincorporated areas allow leaf blowers during general construction/maintenance hours. California AB 1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered lea...
Alameda County, CA
Unincorporated Alameda County regulates RV parking through zoning ordinance. 72-hour street limit applies. Specific requirements vary by PD and zoning district.
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County unincorporated areas require driveways to be paved, maintain clear sight lines, and not block sidewalks or public right-of-way. Encroachment p...
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County Zoning Code §17.52.430 limits fences to 4 feet in required front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. A 2-foot limit applies within 30 fee...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle light trespass.
See how Sunol's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.