Home, real estate, and business owners in unincorporated areas within Riverside County may soon be penalized for outdoor lights that shine too bright.

According to the new real estate law proposed by the Board of Supervisors, outdoor lights  cause nuisance by shining too brightly. “Light trespass results in a waste of natural resources and, at certain levels, may jeopardize the health, safety or welfare of Riverside County residents,” said County Supervisor John Tavaglione.

Tavaglione first began pursuing a new ordinance after a complaint from a constituent last year that alleged the lights from a neighboring business caused him to lose sleep.

If passed, all outdoor light fixtures “shall be located, adequately shielded and directed such that no direct light falls outside the parcel of origin, or onto the public right-of-way” and “shall not blink, flash or rotate” according to the new measure.

Street lights and lights used by public safety agencies, as well as lights used for public or private monuments will be exempt. Special events and lights used for holidays such as Christmas will also be exempt with some limitations. “Luminaires used for a holiday decoration, provided it is used for no more than 30 days in a 12-month period, and is off between the hours of 11 p.m. and sunrise, (are exempt),” according to the proposal.

When a complaint of light trespass is filed with the sheriff’s or code enforcement departments, the county personnel would conduct a follow-up investigation to confirm a violation.

The first two violations in a six-month period would be classified as infractions. A third offense in a six-month period would be treated as a misdemeanor, Tavaglione said.

He also added that the minimum fine for a first offense would be $100. The penalty for a second offense would be $250, and the penalty for three or more offenses would be $500 — with the possibility of up to six months in county jail. Every night that the trespass continues would qualify as a separate offense.

Property owners who have committed “light trespass” prior to adoption of the ordinance would have three to six months to rectify the problem, or face penalties.

The final vote to pass the new measure is scheduled for November 15th.