Lighting Regulations in Monrovia, California: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Nestled in the San Gabriel Valley just 15 miles northeast of Los Angeles, Monrovia stands as one of the oldest towns in the region. Incorporated in 1887 as the fourth city in Los Angeles County, Monrovia's rich architectural heritage includes over 2,500 homes built before 1940 and a charming historic downtown centered on Myrtle Avenue.

This blend of historic charm and modern living is carefully preserved through thoughtful regulations, including those governing lighting throughout the city. Monrovia's lighting codes aim to maintain the city's distinctive character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

As the city continues to balance economic development with historic preservation, understanding these lighting regulations becomes essential for property owners, businesses, and residents alike.

Quick Reference Guide

Critical Lighting Requirements in Monrovia:

• General Principle: All lighting must be arranged to prevent glare and light trespass onto neighboring properties • Parking Areas: Lights must be shielded and directed to prevent intrusion onto adjacent sites • Signs: Residential signs must use indirect or shadow lighting with no flashing lights • Electronic Signs: Maximum daytime luminance of 450 foot candles per square foot • Night Restrictions: Electronic message boards near residential areas must be off between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. • Commercial Properties: Some businesses require specific exterior illumination for safety • Mounting Requirements: Lighting fixtures in suspended ceilings require specific support systems

General Lighting Requirements

Preventing Light Trespass

Monrovia's municipal code contains clear provisions designed to prevent lighting from becoming a nuisance. According to §17.32.080, lighting on private property must be carefully arranged to reflect away from adjoining properties and public ways.

The primary goal is to prevent lighting from causing disturbance to either highway traffic or the living environment of neighboring properties.

Glare Restrictions

Under §17.32.090, Monrovia prohibits any direct or reflected glare visible from property boundaries. This applies whether the glare is produced by floodlights, high-temperature processes like combustion or welding, or other sources.

Even sky-reflected glare from buildings or game courts must be controlled using practical means to prevent inconvenience or interference with others' enjoyment of their property.

Residential Lighting Requirements

Home Exterior Lighting

While Monrovia's code doesn't specify extensive residential lighting requirements, it does mandate that rear and side entrances of buildings must be illuminated with an exterior light equivalent to a 100-watt bulb. These fixtures must be of a protected type to ensure durability and safety.

Home Occupation Restrictions

For residents operating businesses from their homes, the code specifies that lighting should not alter the structure's appearance in a way that would identify it as serving a non-residential purpose. This helps maintain the residential character of neighborhoods.

Commercial Lighting Standards

Parking Area Illumination

Parking lots throughout Monrovia must follow specific lighting guidelines:

• Lights must be directed and shielded to prevent light and glare from affecting adjacent properties • Light standards cannot exceed the height of the principal structure • The Planning Commission determines required lighting levels based on factors including:

• Crime rates in the area
• Size of the parking area
• Other relevant factors

Business-Specific Requirements

Gas Stations: • All outdoor lighting must be arranged to prevent glare on adjoining streets or properties • Non-security lights must be turned off when the station is not in operation

Emergency Shelters: • Must provide adequate exterior lighting for security purposes • Lighting must be stationary and designed to direct light away from adjacent structures • Illumination intensity must be compatible with the neighborhood

Public-Facing Businesses: • Some establishments must illuminate exterior premises and adjacent sidewalks during darkness • Illumination must be sufficient to make the appearance and conduct of persons easily discernible

Signage Illumination

Residential Sign Lighting

For homes and residential properties, sign lighting follows strict guidelines:

• Must use indirect or shadow lighting only • The immediate source of illumination cannot be visible • No flashing lights permitted • Lighting cannot interfere with traffic signals or cause confusion • Exposed neon tubing is prohibited

Commercial Sign Standards

Commercial signage has different allowances:

• Signs may be indirectly lighted or shadow-lighted • Interior lighting is permitted in most areas (except Old Town) • For interior-lit signs, only lettering and graphics may be illuminated, with other portions remaining opaque • No signs may rotate, gyrate, blink, or move in an animated fashion

Electronic Sign Specifications

Electronic Message Boards: • Daytime luminance cannot exceed 450 foot candles per square foot • Nighttime maximum of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light levels • Must include automatic dimming sensors based on ambient light • Cannot display animations, moving video, scrolling, flashing, or blinking • Adjacent to residential areas: must be turned off between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Electronic Fuel Price Signs: • Illumination limited to minimum needed for readability from 300 feet • Cannot impair vision of travelers on adjacent roadways • Cannot direct beams or rays at nearby properties

Technical Installation Requirements

Ceiling-Mounted Fixtures

The building code includes specific requirements for suspended ceiling systems supporting lighting fixtures:

• Systems must be classified as "intermediate" or "heavy-duty" • Lighting fixtures must be positively attached to the ceiling system • Attachment devices must support 100% of the fixture weight in any direction • Independent supports required for light fixtures used for exit illumination

Emergency and Exit Lighting

For buildings requiring emergency lighting:

• Independent supports and braces must be provided for exit illumination fixtures • Power supply must comply with Section 1008.3 of the building code • Special attachment requirements apply for fixtures within a 4-foot radius of exit lights and signs

Special Circumstances

Buildings Under Construction or Moving

Buildings being moved on any street, alley, or public property must:

• Be illuminated between sunset and sunrise • Have adequate warning devices placed at each corner • Display lights at the end of any projection

Animal Facilities

Buildings or enclosures housing animals must have sufficient light to allow proper observation of animals and maintain sanitation.

Wireless Telecommunications Facilities

• Cannot be illuminated unless specifically required by Federal Aviation Administration • Lightning arresters and beacon lights only permitted when required by government agencies • All lighting components must be maintained in good condition

Supporting Monrovia's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Monrovia's commitment to balancing historic preservation with modern functionality. We understand the unique challenges faced by communities like Monrovia that seek to maintain their distinctive architectural character while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and usability.

Our experience with historic districts throughout the country has given us insight into how thoughtfully designed lighting can enhance rather than detract from a community's character. We appreciate Monrovia's careful approach to lighting regulations that prevent light pollution while ensuring proper illumination where needed.

As a resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, Bock Lighting focuses on educating property owners about compliance while respecting the aesthetic standards that make places like Monrovia special. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a partner in preservation efforts.

What Property Owners Should Know

When planning lighting for your Monrovia property, remember these key principles:

1. Direct light thoughtfully - Always aim light where needed while preventing spillover onto neighboring properties
2. Consider context - Different areas of Monrovia may have different requirements based on historic designation and zoning
3. Balance safety and aesthetics - Ensure adequate illumination without creating nuisance lighting
4. Seek guidance - When in doubt about requirements, consult with city planning officials
5. Maintain your lighting - Regular maintenance ensures compliance and optimal performance

Conclusion

Monrovia's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its historic character while providing for modern safety needs. By carefully controlling light intensity, direction, and hours of operation, these regulations help maintain the quality of life that makes Monrovia special.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or property developer, understanding and following these lighting guidelines contributes to the community's overall aesthetic cohesion and helps preserve Monrovia's unique sense of place for future generations.

As the city continues to evolve, these thoughtful lighting standards will help ensure that growth respects Monrovia's rich architectural heritage and distinctive community character.