Los Angeles Zoning Code — LAMC Chapter 1A Div. 4C.10 Outdoor

Sec. 4C.10.1. OUTDOOR LIGHTING¶

A. Intent

the intent of the standards of this Section (Outdoor Lighting) is to minimize light trespass and provide lighting standards to support a variety of environments.

B. Applicability

this Section (Outdoor Lighting) applies to new construction, a major remodel, a site modification, an exterior modification, or a use modification. When the outdoor lighting standards apply, they apply to the installation or alteration of new and existing outdoor lighting, including exterior luminaires, new and existing luminaires located within parking structures, and new and existing illuminated signs.

c. Standards

1. Light Trespass

a. Outdoor luminaires that have the ability to be redirected, shall be directed away from adjoining lots to minimize light trespass.
b. No person shall construct, establish, create, or maintain any stationary exterior light source that may cause light trespass onto adjoining lots exceeding the following amounts:
- i. From any lot onto a lot with an applied Residential Use District (Div. 5B.3.) or Residential-Mixed Use District (Div. 5B.4.) , the maximum allowable light trespass shall be 0.5 footcandles (5.38 lux).
- ii. From any lot onto a lot with an applied Use District (Part 5B.) other than a Residential Use District (Div. 5B.3.) or Residential-Mixed Use District (Div. 5B.4.) , the maximum allowable light trespass shall be one footcandle (10.76 lux).
c. the owner of a lot with any existing light source shall bring such light source into compliance with this Section (Outdoor Lighting) upon receipt of written notice from the Department of Building and Safety.

2. Lighting Quantity

a. All parking areas and garages provided for three or more dwelling units shall have an average horizontal illuminance of at least 0.2 footcandles (2.15 lux), measured from the finished surface of the parking area.
b. Any lot abutting a special river lot line according to Sec. 14.2.12.C.3. (Special Lot Line) must meet the additional standards below:

| 4-137

Sec. 4C.10.1. (Outdoor Lighting) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.10. (Outdoor Lighting & Glare)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

i. All site and building mounted lighting shall be designed such that it produces a maximum initial luminance value no greater than 0.20 horizontal and vertical footcandles (2.15 lux) at the lot boundary and no greater than 0.01 horizontal footcandles (0.11 lux) 15 feet beyond the lot.
ii. All low pressure sodium, high pressure sodium, metal halide, fluorescent, quartz, incandescent greater than 60 watts, mercury vapor, and halogen lighting shall be in a fully shielded luminaire.

3. Pedestrian-Oriented Lighting

the walking surface of spaces required to install pedestrian-oriented lighting shall be illuminated to the following standards:

a. A minimum average horizontal illuminance of 0.75 footcandles.
b. A uniformity ratio of 3:1.
c. luminaires shall be mounted no more than 15 feet above the walking surface.

D. Measurement

A footcandle is a unit of illuminance. One footcandle is equivalent to one lumen per square foot and shall be measured using a light meter.

e. Relief

A deviation from any lighting standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

| 4-138

Sec. 4C.10.1. (Outdoor Lighting) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.10. (Outdoor Lighting & Glare)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 4C.10.2. GLARE¶

A. Intent

the intent of the standards of this Section (Glare) is to prevent the generation of high levels of glare and reflected heat resulting in detrimental effects on surrounding properties and the public realm.

B. Applicability

this Section (Glare) applies to new construction, a major remodel, a site modification, or a use modification involving the installation or alteration of building materials on a building facade.

c. Standards

Buildings shall not use materials with an external reflectance rating of 30 percent or greater.

D. Measurement

external reflectance values are based on spectrophotometric measurements and energy distribution of solar radiation, and shall be measured according to the listed specifications for each glass product.

e. Relief

Alternative compliance to any glare standards may be granted in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.1. (Alternative Compliance) .
A deviation from any glare standard may be granted as a variance in accordance with Sec. 13B.5.3. (Variance) .

| 4-139

Sec. 4C.10.2. (Glare) Established by Ord. 188,418, Eff. 01/20/2025, Oper. 01/27/2025

[ FOrM - FrONtAGe - STANDARDS ] [ USe - DeNSitY ] Div. 4C.11. (Signs)

City of Los Angeles Zoning Code Chapter 1A

Exceptions & meaning →