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Rancho Palos Verdes · Building on your lot

Outdoor lighting in Rancho Palos Verdes

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

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

What Rancho Palos Verdes's code says

Rancho Palos Verdes code What Rancho Palos Verdes's code adds
Brightness or color limit
  • Each bulb may give no more than 2,200 lumens.
    Applies: Single nonreflective bulbs in the RS and RM residential zones.
    § 17.56.030 · code text
    Individual, nonreflective light bulbs, not exceeding 2,200 lumens each
  • Up to 16,000 lumens total per lot or parcel.
    Applies: RS and RM residential zones; lots over 15,000 square feet may have more.
    § 17.56.030 · code text
    or an aggregate of 16,000 lumens for each lot or parcel shall be permitted.
  • An extra 1,600 lumens for each 1,500 square feet, or major part of it.
    Applies: Lots over 15,000 square feet in RS and RM zones, for the area above 15,000 square feet.
    § 17.56.030 · code text
    On lots exceeding 15,000 square feet, an additional 1,600 lumens in the aggregate shall be permitted for each 1,500 square feet of area or major fraction thereof
  • Total lighting may never exceed 32,000 lumens.
    Applies: Lots over 15,000 square feet in the RS and RM residential zones.
    § 17.56.030 · code text
    provided that in no event shall the aggregate exceed 32,000 lumens.
Fixture height
  • Lights may not be above the eave line on a building or over 10 feet above grade on a pole.
    Applies: RS and RM residential zones.
    § 17.56.030 · code text
    No outdoor lighting shall be permitted where the light source or fixture, if located on a building, above the line of the eaves, or if located on a standard or pole, more than ten feet above grade.
Shielding
  • Lights must not point at or directly light other parcels.
    Applies: RS and RM residential zones.
    § 17.56.030 · code text
    no outdoor lighting shall be permitted where the light source is directed toward or results in direct illumination of a parcel of property or properties other than that upon which such light source is physically located.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Rancho Palos Verdes?

Rancho Palos Verdes's code: Lights must not point at or directly light other parcels. (RS and RM residential zones.) (§ 17.56.030); Lights may not be above the eave line on a building or over 10 feet above grade on a pole. (RS and RM residential zones.) (§ 17.56.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code — full text