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Arcadia · Building on your lot

Outdoor lighting in Arcadia

Arcadia's own rules on outdoor lighting, with the code text for every value.

Each rule below links to the section of the Arcadia Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Arcadia's code says

Arcadia code What Arcadia's code adds
Fixture height
  • At most 15 feet above the adjacent finished floor.
    Applies: Residential properties; lights on an exterior wall or structure.
    § 9102.01.130 · code text
    Exterior light fixtures may be mounted on any exterior wall or structure at a maximum of 15 feet above the adjacent finished floor level.
  • At most 8 feet above the finished floor.
    Applies: Lights next to a second-story balcony, deck or exterior doors.
    § 9102.01.130 · code text
    However, a light fixture adjacent to a second story balcony, deck, or exterior doors may be mounted on the wall at a maximum height of eight feet above the finished floor level.
  • No more than 8 feet above grade.
    Applies: Pole- or fence-mounted lights, except in residential parking lots.
    § 9102.01.130 · code text
    Pole or fence-mounted lights shall be located no more than eight feet above grade, except in residential parking lots.
Light at the property line
  • No more than 1.0 foot-candle of light.
    Applies: On any property in a residential zone, except the site of the light itself.
    § 9103.01.120 · code text
    No lighting on private property shall produce an illumination level greater than 1.0 foot-candle on any property within a residential zoning district, except on the site of the light source.
Shielding
  • Lights must be full-cutoff fixtures to avoid glare and upward light.
    § 9103.01.120 · code text
    Lighting fixtures shall make use of full-cutoff fixtures to avoid glare and up-light.
  • Outdoor lights must be hooded and aimed away from neighboring properties and streets.
    § 9102.01.130 · code text
    Exterior lighting shall be hooded and arranged to reflect away from adjoining properties and streets.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Arcadia?

Arcadia's code: Lights must be full-cutoff fixtures to avoid glare and upward light. (§ 9103.01.120); No more than 1.0 foot-candle of light. (On any property in a residential zone, except the site of the light itself.) (§ 9103.01.120).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Arcadia's outdoor lighting rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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