County Cracks Down On 'Light Trespassing'

Riverside County supervisors today approved an ordinance mandating fines up to $500 for property owners whose outdoor lights create an overnight nuisance

After a third public hearing on Supervisor John Tavaglione's proposed "light trespass" measure, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 -- with Supervisors Marion Ashley and Jeff Stone absent -- to implement it.

"We've gone over and above what's necessary to make this a good ordinance," Tavaglione said. "It may need tweaking as time goes on. If so, we'll tweak it."

The ordinance, which takes effect in 30 days, requires that all outdoor light fixtures "be located, adequately shielded and directed such that no direct light falls outside the parcel of origin, or onto the public right-of- way" and "shall not blink, flash or rotate."

There were a number of exceptions added to the measure over the last two months as concerned residents contacted board members to complain about regulations that could impact businesses or disrupt holiday displays.

Outdoor lights that are exempt from regulation include:

-- Holiday decorations;

-- lights used to illuminate public property, including parks and streets;

-- lights used by law enforcement or other emergency personnel;

-- lights for public and private monuments;

-- neon lights; and

-- lights used for agricultural operations, such as grape harvesting.

Jeff Smith of Cherry Valley expressed concern to the board today that the infrared lights on security cameras he installed around his property could be interpreted as light trespass without specific language in the ordinance declaring that regulations apply only to "visible light."

Tavaglione said his concern was misplaced.

"The purpose of the ordinance is for people putting up bright lights that are shining into other people's houses, 24 hours a day," the supervisor said.

"We'll now have an ordinance to address egregious violations when they occur," added Supervisor John Benoit. "We'll be there when we get complaints."       The ordinance, which applies only to unincorporated communities, sets penalties for property owners who allow their exterior "luminaires" to shine too brightly, infringing on neighbors' lots.

A complaint of light trespass would have to be filed with the sheriff's or code enforcement departments, whose personnel would conduct a follow-up investigation to confirm the violation.

The first two violations in a six-month period would be classified as infractions. A third offense in a six-month period would be treated as a misdemeanor.

The minimum fine for a first offense would be $100. The penalty for a second offense would be $250, and the penalty for three or more offenses would be $500 -- with the possibility of up to six months in county jail.

Corona-area resident William Larsen inspired Tavaglione to begin investigating light trespass regulations nearly two years after showing pictures of high-intensity lights from a neighbor's property flooding the inside of his house. He thanked the board for taking action.

"My nuisance kept me awake at night," Larsen said. "This ordinance will not only mean tremendous energy savings, but health savings."