Outdoor lighting in Downey: the local rules

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

What Downey's code says

Downey code What Downey's code adds
Fixture height	Outdoor lights no higher than 8 feet. Applies: In the R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-3-O zones; porch lights and other building lights are excepted. § 9520.06 · code text In the R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-3-O Zones, no outside lighting shall exceed eight feet in height, except building lights, i.e., porch lights or the equivalent.
Light at the property line	No more than 0.1 foot-candle at the property line. Applies: Seasonal decorations; they need not be shielded if they stay at or below this level. § 9520.06 · code text Seasonal decorations do not have to be shielded, provided that they do not have brightness of more than 0.1 foot-candle at the property line on which they are installed;
Shielding	Lights must be aimed, placed or shielded so no light falls on a street or neighboring property; no exposed bulbs. § 9520.06 · code text In all zones, outdoor lighting shall be directed, positioned, and/or shielded as not to direct light on any street or abutting property as shown in Figure 9.5.7.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Downey?

Downey's code: Lights must be aimed, placed or shielded so no light falls on a street or neighboring property; no exposed bulbs. (§ 9520.06); No more than 0.1 foot-candle at the property line. (Seasonal decorations; they need not be shielded if they stay at or below this level.) (§ 9520.06).

Outdoor lighting in Downey

What Downey's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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