AnonymousBy an edhat reader
A neighbor behind me has a motion sensor light that constantly comes on and stays on, and it shines right into my backyard and bedroom at night (it is a rental unit that is 2nd floor). Is there any ordinance that prohibits this? Thanks.
Well, at least for the City of Santa Barbara:
City’s Outdoor Lighting Design Guidelines.
Ordinances 5333, 5035, 4848, 4729, 4175, 3900
Santa Barbara Municipal Code Chapter 22.75
22.75.060 Control of Nuisance Lighting In and Adjacent to Residential Zones.
A. GENERALLY. Outdoor lighting in residential zones and outdoor lighting on real properties adjacent to residential zones shall be designed, installed, and operated so that it is compatible with the ambient lighting of the neighborhood in which it is located. Such lighting shall be designed, installed, and operated to control glare, prevent light trespass onto adjacent areas, minimize direct upward light emission, promote effective security, avoid interference with safe operation of motor vehicles. The minimum intensity needed for the intended purpose shall be used.
B. ENFORCEMENT. The staff of the Community Development Department shall be responsible for the enforcement of this Section provided, however, that enforcement shall occur only upon a written complaint and upon a determination by City enforcement staff that the light or lights constitutes Nuisance Lighting which is unreasonably and negatively affecting a neighboring resident. Upon such a determination, the light or lights shall constitute a public nuisance which may be abated by the City and which, if necessary, may be enjoined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
I don’t know the ID number of the ordinance, but it’s called “ light trespass”, and is part of both city and county codes.