Skip to content

El Monte · Building on your lot

Outdoor lighting in El Monte

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

Ask about outdoor lighting in El Monte See coverage

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

What El Monte's code says

El Monte code What El Monte's code adds
When lights must be off
  • Exterior lights must be off during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset.
    § 17.60.050 · code text
    Exterior lighting shall be turned off during daylight hours. As used herein, "daylight hours" means the hours between sunrise (dawn) and sunset (dusk).
Fixture height
  • At most 20 feet.
    Applies: Single-family and multiple-family projects in residential zoning districts.
    § 17.60.050 · code text
    Shall not exceed a maximum height of twenty (20) feet.
  • No higher than the roof eave.
    Applies: Lighting attached to a single-family home.
    § 17.60.050 · code text
    If attached to a single-family residence, the lighting shall not exceed the height of the roof eave.
  • No more than 8 feet above the ground.
    Applies: Motion detector lighting fixtures.
    § 17.60.050 · code text
    Installed no more than eight (8) feet above the ground;
Light at the property line
  • No more than 0.3 footcandles at property lines.
    Applies: Single-family and multiple-family projects in residential zoning districts.
    § 17.60.050 · code text
    Shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles at property lines.
Shielding
  • Lights must be aimed and shielded to prevent light trespass or glare onto neighbors, the street or driveways.
    § 17.60.050 · code text
    All lights shall be directed, oriented, and shielded to prevent light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties, onto the public right-of-way and/or driveway areas.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in El Monte?

El Monte's code: Lights must be aimed and shielded to prevent light trespass or glare onto neighbors, the street or driveways. (§ 17.60.050); No more than 0.3 footcandles at property lines. (Single-family and multiple-family projects in residential zoning districts.) (§ 17.60.050).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific El Monte property

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

Ask your question

More on building on your lot in El Monte

All building on your lot rules in El Monte

Fences and walls in El Monte

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in El Monte

Running a business from home in El Monte

Lot splits under SB 9 in El Monte

Solar panels and EV chargers in El Monte

Tree removal in El Monte

Swimming pools in El Monte

Noise and construction hours in El Monte

Garage and yard sales in El Monte

Affordable units in new housing (inclusionary) in El Monte

Parking spaces required for homes in El Monte

Trash and recycling carts in El Monte

El Monte Municipal Code — full text