Lighting Regulations in El Segundo, California: Balancing Industrial Heritage with Community Safety

Introduction

El Segundo, California—"The Second" in Spanish—earned its name as the site of Standard Oil's second West Coast refinery when it was incorporated in 1917. This industrial origin has shaped the city's development into a unique community that balances a strong industrial and commercial base with comfortable residential neighborhoods.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance, ensuring safety and security while maintaining the aesthetic appeal that makes El Segundo special. From its aerospace companies to its small-town charm, El Segundo's lighting requirements are designed to serve both business needs and residential comfort.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here are the most critical lighting requirements to know in El Segundo:

• Minimum Light Levels:
• Commercial parking areas: 1.25 foot-candles minimum
• Stairways and landings: 1 foot-candle minimum
• Exterior doors: 1 foot-candle within a 5-foot radius
• Recessed building areas: 0.25 foot-candles minimum
• Power Requirements:
• Most outdoor lighting must use photocell control or astronomic timeclock
• Many applications require uninterruptible power sources
• Planning Requirements:
• Point-by-point photometric calculations required for site plans
• 4:1 uniformity ratio (average/minimum) for lighting distribution
• Fixture Specifications:
• Vandal-resistant fixtures required for accessible locations
• Minimum height of 3 feet for walkway lighting
• Minimum height of 78 inches (6.5 feet) for vehicle area lighting

Residential Lighting Requirements

Multi-Family Buildings

El Segundo places strong emphasis on safety lighting for multi-family properties, balancing security needs with comfortable living environments.

Common Area Lighting

• Interior corridors: Minimum 0.50 foot-candles at ground level
• Stairways and landings: Minimum 1 foot-candle at all times
• Laundry rooms: Minimum 5 foot-candles at floor level with non-interruptible power
• Elevator cabs: Minimum 2 foot-candles at floor level

Exterior Lighting

• Parking areas and carports: Minimum 1.25 foot-candles during hours of darkness
• Walkways and recreation areas: Minimum 0.50 foot-candles during hours of darkness
• Exterior doors: Minimum 1 foot-candle within 5-foot radius on each side
• Trash enclosures and mailboxes: Minimum 1 foot-candle within 5-foot radius

Address and Building Identification

Building identification is critical for emergency services and visitor navigation:

• Residential address numbers: Minimum 4 inches in height, illuminated during darkness
• Commercial address numbers: Minimum 6 inches in height (or 12 inches if over 100 feet from street centerline)
• Power source: Must use uninterruptible AC power or photoelectric control
• Multiple buildings: Identification numbers must be illuminated during darkness

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Requirements

General Commercial Requirements

El Segundo's commercial lighting standards ensure adequate visibility while being mindful of the city's mixed-use character.

Minimum Light Levels

• Parking areas: Minimum 1.25 foot-candles on driving surfaces
• Exception: 0.25 foot-candles for facilities closed during non-business hours
• Walkways: Minimum 1 foot-candle on walking surfaces
• Stairways: Minimum 2 foot-candles on all landings and stair treads
• Exterior doors: Minimum 1 foot-candle within 5-foot radius on each side

Special Requirements for Specific Businesses

• Adult-oriented businesses:
• Interior: Minimum 2 foot-candles throughout (except movie areas)
• Parking areas: Minimum 1 foot-candle average maintained illumination
• Building entries: Must be well-lit during all hours of operation
• Massage services:
• Minimum 900 lumens in each enclosed room/booth
• Dining and dancing establishments:
• Minimum 3 foot-candles measured 30 inches from floor

Technical Planning Requirements

For new construction or modifications, El Segundo requires detailed lighting plans:

• Site plan showing buildings, parking areas, walkways, and landscaping
• Point-by-point photometric calculations showing required light levels
• Uniformity ratio of 4:1 (average/minimum) for consistent lighting
• Landscaping must not obscure required light levels
• Trees and shrubs should not be planted near light fixtures

Safety and Security Lighting

Recessed Areas and Security Concerns

Buildings with recessed areas present special security challenges that El Segundo addresses with specific requirements:

• Definition: Recessed areas with minimum 2-foot depth, 5-foot height, and maximum 6-foot width
• Minimum lighting: 0.25 foot-candles during hours of darkness
• Applies to recessed areas within 6 feet of designated walking paths

Light Fixture Specifications

• Vandal resistance: Accessible fixtures must be vandal-resistant
• Mounting heights:
• Walkway lighting: Minimum 3 feet above walking surface
• Vehicle area lighting: Minimum 78 inches (6.5 feet) above driving surface
• Accessibility definition: Fixtures within 15 feet vertically or 6 feet horizontally from any accessible surface

Power and Control Requirements

• Control methods: Photocell device or time-clock with astronomic feature
• Power requirements: Many applications require uninterruptible power source
• Emergency systems: Exit signs, egress illumination, and elevator cab lighting classified as emergency systems

Electronic Display and Signage Lighting

Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)

• Allowed in all non-residential zones
• For ground-mounted signs, changeable portion limited to 75% of permitted sign area
• Display must remain fixed for at least 7 seconds with instantaneous transitions
• Must be equipped with ambient light sensors for automatic dimming
• Must have default "freeze" or "blank" position in case of malfunction

Special Display Requirements

• LED signs may be permitted for parcels with at least 7.5 acres that are 80% retail/restaurant
• Limited to two signs not exceeding 30 feet in height and 60 feet in width
• Must be oriented for on-site viewing rather than public right-of-way

Supporting El Segundo's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand El Segundo's unique character as a city that balances industrial heritage with community needs. With roots dating back to 1918, our Northeast Ohio manufacturing tradition aligns with El Segundo's values of quality, functionality, and appropriate aesthetics.

We appreciate El Segundo's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that ensure safety while respecting the city's distinctive blend of industrial and residential character. Our experience with communities that balance commercial needs and residential comfort makes us a valuable resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements.

Our commitment to providing educational resources on lighting regulations helps communities like El Segundo maintain their character while meeting modern safety standards. We understand the importance of lighting solutions that respect both the industrial history and the small-town feel that makes El Segundo special.

Conclusion

El Segundo's lighting regulations reflect its unique history and community values. From its origins as an oil refinery town to its current status as a hub for aerospace, technology, and media companies, the city's approach to lighting emphasizes both safety and aesthetic considerations.

Property owners should work closely with qualified lighting professionals to ensure their lighting plans meet the specific requirements outlined in the city code. By following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to a safer, more attractive El Segundo that honors its industrial past while embracing its vibrant future.

Remember that lighting requirements may be updated periodically, so it's always advisable to check with the El Segundo Building and Safety Division for the most current regulations before beginning any new construction or renovation project.