Upland, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- UMC § 17.14.030(A)-(D)
- Residential shielding trigger
- Over 750 lumens per fixture
- Non-residential standard
- No direct light past property line
- Common-area trespass cap
- Zero foot-candles at property line
- Common-area minimum light
- 1.0 foot-candle on walkways/lots
Summary
Upland flatly prohibits light trespass that results in glare under Section 17.14.030(A). Residential fixtures over 750 lumens must be shielded so no direct light crosses the property line or right-of-way, non-residential lighting faces the same no-spill standard regardless of lumen count, and shared common areas must read zero foot-candles at the property line.
A. Light trespass that results in glare is prohibited. B. All residential lighting over 750 lumens per fixture shall be adequately shielded, and directed such that no direct light falls outside the property line or into the public right-of-way, as illustrated in Figure 17.14-1 (Inadequate and Adequate Shielding) and Figure 17.14-2 (Light Source Not Directly Visible Outside Property Perimeter). Residential lighting 750 lumens or below is exempt from a shielding requirement. C. All non-residential outdoor lighting shall be located, adequately shielded, and directed such that no direct light falls outside the property line or into the public right-of-way. D. New development that includes common-areas shall be maintained with a minimum 1.0 foot-candle power on walkways and in parking lots. However, there shall be zero measurable foot-candle power at the property line.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4480959; v4 updated 2025-09-22).
Full Breakdown
14 (Outdoor Lighting), opens with the flat rule in subsection (A): light trespass that results in glare is prohibited. Subsection (B) sets the operative threshold for homes: all residential lighting over 750 lumens per fixture shall be adequately shielded and directed such that no direct light falls outside the property line or into the public right-of-way, while residential lighting 750 lumens or below is exempt from a shielding requirement. Subsection (C) removes the lumen threshold for commercial and other non-residential uses: all non-residential outdoor lighting must be located, adequately shielded, and directed such that no direct light falls outside the property line or into the public right-of-way, regardless of fixture output.
0 foot-candle, but there shall be zero measurable foot-candle power at the property line, pairing a minimum safety light level with a hard trespass ceiling. Subsection (E) lets the Development Services Director require motion- or heat-activated lighting in common recreational areas or pedestrian entry points to manage crime risk without adding constant trespass. 070 unless they cause disability glare to motorists or cyclists.
Violations & Fines
Light trespass in violation of Section 17.14.030(A) through (D) is a Zoning Ordinance violation under Section 17.01.080, enforceable as a misdemeanor under Municipal Code Chapter 1.16: a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. A neighbor can report a fixture that spills light past the property line to Development Services for a shielding correction order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as illegal light trespass in Upland?
Are small residential lights exempt from shielding?
Does a commercial parking lot have a light trespass limit at the property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Upland
California rules heatmap·Compare Upland to another location·View the California outdoor lighting overview
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