Tustin, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Tustin does not set a specific foot-candle or lux limit for light crossing onto neighboring properties, so light trespass is managed through nuisance principles and the design-review process rather than a dedicated metric. The city's Cultural Resources District Residential Design Guidelines, which govern Old Town and designated historic homes, expressly state that the overspill of light onto adjoining properties may be a nuisance and direct property owners to use fixtures that shield light from spilling over onto adjoining properties and to aim light only where it is needed. The guidelines also recommend low-voltage systems and modest fixture heights so light stays on the owner's own parcel. For properties citywide, new development lighting is reviewed for glare and spillover during zoning Design Review, and a resident bothered by a neighbor's lighting can pursue a nuisance complaint through the city's Code Enforcement Division; California nuisance law (Civil Code 3479) provides an additional avenue where light substantially interferes with the use and enjoyment of property. Because Tustin relies on these case-by-case tools instead of a fixed light-trespass standard, outcomes depend on the specific circumstances. Report persistent light-trespass concerns to the Tustin Code Enforcement Division and confirm current procedures at (714) 573-3000.