Lighting Regulations in Yucaipa, California: A Guide to Property Illumination Standards

Introduction: Balancing Growth with Character

Nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, Yucaipa has transformed from its indigenous roots as "Yucaipat" (meaning "wet lands") to a vibrant community that balances modern development with historical preservation.

Since its incorporation in 1989, Yucaipa has undergone significant changes—most notably the 1998 Chapman Heights development that converted 1,000 acres of citrus groves into residential areas. Throughout this evolution, the city has maintained a commitment to preserving its unique character while accommodating growth.

This balance is reflected in Yucaipa's lighting regulations, which aim to ensure safety and functionality while preventing light pollution and preserving the city's residential character.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

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

• Glare Prevention: All lighting must be designed to prevent direct or indirect glare onto adjacent properties
• Parking Areas: Minimum illumination of 4 foot-candles measured at the pavement surface
• Residential Character: Lighting should not cause residential premises to differ from their residential character
• Business Requirements: Different types of businesses have specific foot-candle requirements (ranging from 1 to 30 foot-candles)
• Maintenance: Inoperative lights must be repaired or replaced within 30 days

Glare Prevention & Light Trespass

Measurement Standards

Yucaipa takes light trespass seriously, with specific standards for measurement and compliance:

• Glare levels are measured with a photoelectric photometer following the standard spectral luminous efficiency curve adopted by the International Commission on Illumination
• In Community Industrial or Regional Industrial Districts, direct or indirect light must not cause glare above 0.5 foot-candles when measured in a Residential District or lot

What Constitutes a Violation

The city specifically prohibits:

• "Harsh, prolonged or unusual lighting" from privately owned property that creates an unreasonably disturbing condition
• Any lighting that causes a property to differ from its residential character
• Direct or indirect glare that impacts adjacent property owners

Parking Lot & Commercial Area Lighting

Safety & Security Requirements

Parking lot lighting in Yucaipa serves dual purposes:

• Increasing personal safety of patrons and employees
• Reducing incidents of vandalism and theft

Technical Specifications

All parking lot lighting must meet these specific requirements:

• Minimum illumination of 4 foot-candles measured at the pavement surface
• All lighting must be directed away from public thoroughfares and adjacent residences
• For businesses with specific requirements (like massage establishments), illumination from dusk to closing must provide an average maintained horizontal illumination of 1 foot-candle on parking surfaces and walkways

Review Process

Parking lot lighting plans:

• Must be shown on required plot plans
• Are subject to review and approval by the building and safety division

Business-Specific Lighting Requirements

Service-Based Businesses

Different service businesses have specific illumination requirements:

• Massage Therapy Establishments:
• Reception areas: Minimum 30 foot-candles at floor level
• Massage rooms: Minimum 20 foot-candles at floor level
• Parking areas: Average maintained horizontal illumination of 1 foot-candle
• Bathroom Requirements (for public facilities):
• Minimum 30 foot-candles at floor level in rooms containing showers, baths, and/or toilets

Adult-Oriented Businesses

Yucaipa has detailed lighting standards for adult-oriented businesses:

• Adult Bookstores, Video Stores and Novelty Stores: 20 foot-candles
• Adult Theaters and Cabarets: 5 foot-candles (except during performances: minimum 1.25 foot-candles)
• Adult Motion Picture Theaters: 7.5 foot-candles
• Adult Motels/Hotels: 20 foot-candles in public areas
• Nude Modeling Studios: 20 foot-candles

These businesses must also:

• Maintain illumination during all hours of operation
• Submit a lighting plan prepared by a licensed lighting engineer
• Provide average maintained horizontal illumination of 4 foot-candles in parking areas

Sign Illumination Standards

Permitted Lighting Methods

Signs in Yucaipa may only be illuminated by:

• Steady, stationary, shielded light directed only at the sign
• Light inside the sign
• Direct neon lighting

Glare Limitations

• Maximum glare from any luminous source: 0.5 foot-candles
• Signs must be effectively shielded to prevent beams or rays from being directed at roadways
• Signs cannot have intensity or brilliance that causes glare or impairs driver vision

Electronic Billboard Standards

Electronic Messaging Center Billboards must comply with:

• Maximum light output of 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light level (measured at 250 feet)
• Installation of automatic dimmers to adjust light output
• Display of still or static messages only (no movement, flashing, blinking, or traveling light)

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Emergency Shelters

Emergency shelters must provide:

• Adequate external lighting for security purposes
• Stationary lighting directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way
• Lighting of an intensity compatible with the neighborhood

Cell Towers

• Towers shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the FAA or other authority
• If lighting is required, the alternatives and design chosen must cause the least disturbance to surrounding views

Work Sites

• Franchisees must provide "suitable and sufficient lighting" at work sites at night unless explicitly directed otherwise by the city

What Property Owners Should Know

Maintenance Requirements

Property owners must ensure:

• All outside lighting fixtures are kept in proper working order
• Inoperative lights are repaired or replaced within 30 days of damage or failure

Residential Considerations

For residential properties:

• Lighting should not alter a structure's appearance in a way that causes it to differ from its residential character
• For accessory dwelling units, light fixtures must match the existing structure

Mobile Vendor Restrictions

• Food trucks may not install additional lighting beyond what's required by the California Vehicle Code
• Sidewalk vendors are prohibited from using any luminaire, flashing lights, or animated devices/signs

Supporting Yucaipa's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation—a value we share with Yucaipa's approach to development.

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with extensive experience in regional architectural styles, we appreciate Yucaipa's commitment to maintaining its unique identity while accommodating growth. Our expertise in lighting solutions that respect both historical character and safety requirements aligns perfectly with Yucaipa's vision.

We believe in being more than just a product provider—we strive to be an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations. Our understanding of the balance between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation makes us a valuable partner for communities like Yucaipa.

Conclusion

Yucaipa's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to safety, functionality, and preservation of community character. From specific foot-candle requirements for different business types to glare limitations that protect residential areas, these standards help maintain the quality of life that makes Yucaipa special.

Whether you're a business owner, property developer, or homeowner, understanding these requirements is essential for compliance and for contributing to Yucaipa's vision of balanced development that honors its rich history while embracing the future.

Remember that lighting is not just about illumination—it's about creating safe, attractive spaces that enhance the community's character while respecting neighbors and the environment.