Lighting Regulations in San Marino, California: Preserving Elegance While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

San Marino, California, incorporated in 1913 and named after the ancient Republic of San Marino, is known for its affluent residential character and rich historical heritage. Home to the renowned Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, this small community of just over 12,500 residents takes great pride in maintaining its distinctive architectural character and aesthetic appeal.

The city's lighting regulations reflect San Marino's deep commitment to preserving its historical integrity while ensuring proper illumination for safety and functionality. These carefully crafted guidelines help maintain the community's elegant nighttime appearance and prevent light pollution that could detract from its charming residential atmosphere.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Essential lighting specifications in San Marino:

• Maximum illumination level at property lines: 0.07 foot-candle
• Maximum correlated color temperature (CCT): 4,000 Kelvin for all outdoor fixtures
• Fixture lumen limits: No fixture shall exceed 1,600 lumens (accent lighting limited to 800 lumens)
• Parking lot minimum lighting: 0.5 foot-candle at every point during nighttime use
• Light fixture height restrictions:
• No fixtures above eave line on buildings
• Maximum 10 feet above grade on buildings without eaves
• Free-standing standards maximum 14 feet high
• Curfew: Most exterior lighting must be extinguished by 10:00 p.m.

Residential Lighting Standards

Exterior Lighting Placement

Preserving the peaceful residential character of San Marino neighborhoods is a key priority in the city's lighting regulations. All outdoor lighting must be thoughtfully positioned to prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties.

Key requirements include:

• Fixtures must be fully shielded so light bulbs are invisible from adjacent properties and streets
• Light fixtures must be "cut-off" type where lenses and lamp sources don't extend below the fixture housing
• No light shall be directed at or above the lowest horizontal plane of the fixture
• Louvered light fixtures do not qualify as fully shielded fixtures
• The light source must not be directed toward or directly illuminate any parcel other than where the light is located

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Lighting

For San Marino's accessory dwelling units:

• Exterior lighting must be shielded or directed to prevent glare off-site
• Lighting must not illuminate the primary residence or any adjacent property

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Business Lighting Guidelines

Commercial properties must balance visibility and aesthetics while respecting San Marino's residential character:

• Lighting on buildings must be placed so as not to create a nuisance to pedestrians or safety hazards for drivers
• Table lamps or candles are encouraged for businesses
• Light fixtures must be arranged/screened to minimize spillover onto adjacent residential properties
• All outdoor lighting must shine away from and eliminate interference with R-1 (residential) zoned properties

Illuminated Signage Restrictions

For businesses using illuminated signs:

• Maximum brightness: 10 candlepower at 10 feet from sign face
• Internally illuminated signs: Limited to 430 milliamps maximum (including both ballast and lamps)
• Hours of operation: Illuminated roof signs or freestanding pole signs must be turned off after 10:00 p.m. if illumination adversely affects adjacent residential property
• Prohibited sign lighting includes:
• Signs with intermittent flashing, blinking, or cycling lights
• Signs that flash, glitter, or shimmer
• Spotlights or beacons visible from residential properties
• Exposed neon tubing
• Signs with lighting that changes in color or intensity

Recreational Court Lighting Standards

Court Lighting Specifications

San Marino has detailed regulations for recreational court lighting to allow for evening use while minimizing impact on neighbors:

• Maximum illumination:
• 1 foot-candle at lot lines (measured from grade to 12 feet height)
• 0.05 foot-candle on adjacent buildings with livable areas
• Fixture limitations:
• One light fixture per 900 square feet of court surface area
• Maximum 8 poles and fixtures per court
• No fixture less than 10 feet from lot line
• No lamp more than 18 feet from court surface
• Maximum lamp brightness equivalent to 1,000-watt lamp
• Fixture design:
• Must be rectangular on horizontal plane
• Fixture exteriors, arms and poles coated with dark, low-reflectance material
• Light fixtures supported by arms extending at least 4 feet from support pole
• Baffles painted with opaque "mat black" light absorbent paint

Court Lighting Operation

• Operating hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. only
• Court surface treatments: If visible from another lot, court surfaces must have low-reflectance, dark colored coatings

Parking Area Lighting

• Minimum illumination: 0.5 foot-candle at every point during nighttime use
• Direction: Lighting arranged to direct onto parking areas and reflected away from R-1 zoned properties
• Protection: Light standards protected by 12" x 12" x 24" high concrete pedestal or approved equal
• Approval: Standards and fixtures must be approved by Planning and Building Department

What Property Owners Should Know

Common Lighting Requirements for All Properties

Regardless of property type, all San Marino property owners should be aware that:

• Exterior lighting must be stationary and directed away from adjacent properties and public rights of way
• Uplighting and flood lighting are prohibited
• Outdoor lights with correlated color temperatures exceeding 4,000K ("cool" light) are prohibited
• With few exceptions, exterior lighting must be extinguished by 10:00 p.m.

Exemptions from Lighting Regulations

Some lighting is exempt from standard requirements:

• Temporary construction or emergency lighting
• Exterior lighting for permitted temporary activities
• Landscape lighting that doesn't require a building permit

Approval Process for Lighting Changes

When modifying your property's lighting:

• Installation of new light fixtures requires review and approval by the Community Development Director
• For commercial properties, detailed drawings showing illumination specifications must be submitted
• For special events, detailed plans showing lighting locations must be included in permit applications

Supporting San Marino's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of maintaining San Marino's distinctive character while providing effective illumination solutions. As a manufacturer with deep appreciation for historical architecture, we recognize the delicate balance San Marino strikes between preserving its elegant residential character and meeting modern lighting needs.

We share San Marino's commitment to thoughtful lighting design that enhances rather than detracts from community aesthetics. Our experience with communities that value their historical integrity allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements while honoring architectural heritage.

Bock Lighting appreciates San Marino's emphasis on controlling light pollution through specific temperature, brightness, and fixture requirements. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with San Marino's vision for a community that respects both residential tranquility and effective illumination.

Conclusion

San Marino's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to maintaining its elegant residential character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security. By carefully controlling light temperature, brightness, height, and positioning, these guidelines help preserve the city's distinctive nighttime ambiance.

Property owners who understand these requirements can make informed choices about lighting that complies with local regulations while enhancing their properties. Through thoughtful lighting design, San Marino continues to shine as one of Southern California's most distinguished residential communities, honoring its rich historical heritage while meeting modern needs.