Lighting Regulations in Temple City, California: Balancing History with Safety and Aesthetics

Introduction

Temple City, California, founded in the early 1920s by Walter P. Temple, has grown from a 285-acre plot into a vibrant community of approximately 36,000 residents. Since its incorporation in 1960, the city has maintained a delicate balance between preserving its historical character and meeting modern needs.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance, aiming to maintain Temple City's unique community atmosphere while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and residents who want to comply with local requirements while contributing to the city's aesthetic vision.

Quick Reference Guide

Key lighting requirements in Temple City include:

• Parking area illumination: Average 2 foot-candles with 4:1 uniformity ratio
• Light trespass limits: Maximum 0.5 foot-candles at property lines
• Light pole height: Generally limited to 30-35 feet
• Sign illumination: Both internal and external allowed with specific constraints
• Electronic signs: Maximum 5,000 nits daytime/500 nits nighttime
• Security lighting: Must be directed away from adjacent properties
• Marijuana cultivation: Limited to 1,200 watts total

General Lighting Requirements

Property Lighting Standards

Temple City requires that lighting on buildings, landscaping, and parking areas must be shielded and directed to reflect away from adjoining properties, particularly those in residential zones. This requirement helps minimize light pollution while maintaining adequate illumination for safety.

The city's code specifically defines light pollution as "light that is directed to areas where it is not needed, that interferes with some visual act or is detrimental to an abutting use or zone."

Photometric Requirements

For new or rehabilitated parking facilities, property owners must submit:

• A comprehensive lighting plan for director approval
• A photometric plan showing anticipated light levels across the site and 10 feet beyond property lines
• Documentation showing compliance with the 0.5 foot-candle maximum at property lines

Parking Area Illumination

Temple City has established specific standards for parking lot lighting to ensure safety while preventing excessive illumination:

• Required illumination level: Average horizontal luminance of 2 foot-candles
• Uniformity ratio: 4:1 over the surface parking area
• Measurement standard: Taken from property line at 6 feet in height or above any boundary wall
• Maximum light trespass: 0.5 foot-candles beyond property boundaries

Energy and Design Considerations

The code emphasizes that parking area lighting must be:

• Energy-efficient
• Shielded or recessed to contain glare within property boundaries
• Directed downward and away from adjoining properties
• Designed to prevent shadows through proper uniformity

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Rules

Temple City allows both internally and externally illuminated signs, subject to these requirements:

• Sign illumination must not interfere with adjacent property use
• Illumination must not create public nuisance or safety hazards
• External light sources must be shielded from view
• Light must be directed only at the sign face

Electronic Changeable Copy Signs

Electronic signs face stricter regulations:

• Maximum brightness: 5,000 nits during daytime, 500 nits at night
• Auto-adjustment: Must include photosensitive equipment to automatically adjust brightness
• Light measurement: Limited to 0.3 foot-candles above ambient levels at specified distances
• Restrictions: Only permitted for schools, assembly uses, theaters, and city facilities

Channel Letter and Cabinet Signs

• Only internally illuminated channel letter signs are permitted
• No exposed lighting such as neon tubing or LED arrangements
• Light sources must not be visible from or cast into rights-of-way
• Only translucent letter faces, reverse lit channel letters, or push-through acrylic letters are allowed

Security Lighting Requirements

Business Security Lighting

Several types of businesses in Temple City must maintain security lighting:

• Exterior security lighting must remain on after sunset and before sunrise
• Non-functioning fixtures must be repaired within timeframes specified by community preservation staff
• Security lighting fixtures must not substitute for parking lot or walkway lighting

Emergency Shelter Lighting

Emergency shelters have specific requirements:

• Must provide adequate external lighting for security
• Lighting must be stationary
• Must be directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way
• Brightness must be controlled to be compatible with the neighborhood

Special Use Lighting Standards

Marijuana Cultivation

Temple City restricts marijuana cultivation lighting to 1,200 watts maximum for the cultivation area within a private residence.

Massage Businesses

Massage businesses must maintain:

• Minimum lighting in accordance with Article 220 of the National Electrical Code
• At least one artificial light of not less than 40 watts in each service room
• Clear visibility into interior reception and waiting areas

Universal Waste Considerations

The city classifies the following as universal waste requiring special disposal:

• Fluorescent tubes
• High intensity discharge lamps
• Sodium vapor lamps
• Small sealed lead acid batteries used in emergency lights

Structure and Antenna Requirements

Light Poles and Standards

• Light standards must not exceed 30 feet in height
• Antennas installed on light poles must not exceed 6 feet above the height of the existing pole
• Light standard flush mounted antennas cannot exceed 35 feet total height

Design Requirements

• Antennas must be painted to match the light standard
• All cables must be concealed within the light standard
• Radomes cannot exceed 18 inches in diameter and 6.5 feet in height above the light pole

Supporting Temple City's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Temple City seeks to maintain between historical character and modern functionality. As a manufacturer with deep experience in community-sensitive lighting solutions, Bock appreciates Temple City's commitment to preserving its small-town charm while ensuring safety and compliance.

We share Temple City's values of responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution while enhancing community spaces. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs makes us a valuable resource for property owners seeking to align with Temple City's regulations.

Rather than simply providing products, Bock focuses on educating community members about lighting best practices that respect local regulations and community character. We recognize the importance of Temple City's annual traditions like the Camellia Festival and how appropriate lighting can enhance these community-building events while preserving the city's distinctive atmosphere.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Considerations

When planning a lighting project in Temple City, property owners should:

• Start with a lighting plan that considers both functional needs and code requirements
• Consider neighbors and how to minimize light trespass
• Balance security needs with environmental considerations
• Include maintenance plans for quick repair of non-functioning fixtures

Permit Requirements

An electrical permit is required to "erect, alter, install, repair, move, improve, remove, connect or convert any electrical equipment." However, permits are NOT required for:

• Replacement of lamps, switches, and receptacle devices previously permitted
• Routine maintenance of existing fixtures

Documentation Requirements

For new installations, be prepared to submit:

• A lighting fixture schedule
• Detailed plans showing fixture locations
• Photometric plans for commercial and multi-family projects
• Evidence of compliance with specific foot-candle requirements

Conclusion

Temple City's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a balance between community character, safety, and modern functionality. By following these guidelines, property owners and businesses can contribute to the city's unique atmosphere while ensuring adequate illumination for all needs.

Understanding and implementing these regulations helps preserve Temple City's small-town charm while accommodating growth and development in this historic San Gabriel Valley community.