How to Handle Bright Lights from Your Neighbor: A Guide for All LA County Residents

At DarkSky LA County, the question we hear more than any other is: What can I do about my neighbor’s bright lights? Light pollution from nearby homes can interfere with sleep, spill into windows and yards, and diminish the night sky we all value. Fortunately, depending on where you live in Los Angeles County, there are practical steps you can take to address the problem.

If You Live in the City of Los Angeles

Residents of the City of Los Angeles have a clear legal standard available to them. Under LA Municipal Code Section 93.0117, an outdoor light fixture may not cause more than two footcandles of illumination at the property line. This means that if light from a neighbor’s fixture shines into your yard or windows at a level exceeding that threshold, the property may be out of compliance. You can report a potential violation directly here. If you submit a report, I would be very interested to hear about your experience—whether the city responded, how long it took, and whether the lighting issue was resolved. This information helps us understand how these tools work in practice for residents.

If You Live in an Unincorporated Area Within the ROLD District

Many residents in unincorporated parts of the County fall under the Rural Outdoor Lighting District (ROLD), an ordinance created specifically to reduce light pollution in rural communities. ROLD regulates outdoor lighting by limiting brightness, requiring shielding, directing light downward, and in some cases setting curfews for certain fixtures. If you believe a nearby property is not following these requirements, you may contact the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning’s zoning enforcement staff. They can review the situation and, if necessary, investigate through the appropriate regional field office. More detailed information about ROLD is available through LA County Planning.

If You Live in an Unincorporated Area Outside the ROLD District

Residents in unincorporated areas that lie outside the ROLD boundaries are still covered under Title 22 of the Los Angeles County Code, which governs planning and zoning. Although Title 22 does not contain lighting standards as explicit as those in ROLD, it includes enforceable rules regarding nuisances, public welfare, safety, and unreasonable interference with neighboring properties. These provisions give the County authority to evaluate problematic lighting on a case-by-case basis. Issues such as unshielded lights, excessive brightness, or illumination directed onto a neighbor’s home may fall under these general standards. If you believe a violation may exist, please use this link to report it.

If You Live in an Incorporated City in LA County

Within incorporated cities, lighting regulations vary widely. Several cities—Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Lancaster, Malibu, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Palmdale, Pasadena, and West Hollywood—have established their own outdoor lighting ordinances or restrictions aimed at reducing glare and light trespass. If you reside in one of these cities and need help locating the relevant code provisions, feel free to contact me and I can direct you to the appropriate materials.

For residents of cities without a dedicated lighting ordinance, the most effective initial approach is often a respectful conversation with your neighbor. Many people simply do not realize their lighting is intrusive or misdirected, and a friendly discussion can resolve the issue quickly. DarkSky International offers excellent guidance on how to have this kind of conversation in a constructive way. To help guide this conversation, take a look at this excellent article offering practical advice on how to address the issue diplomatically. You can find their recommendations here.

Final Thoughts

No matter where you live in Los Angeles County, addressing light pollution can significantly improve your quality of life while also protecting the night environment for the wider community. If you have questions about your city’s regulations, need help navigating county rules, or simply want advice on approaching a neighbor, I am always glad to assist.