Light Pollution Ordinance Could Harm Wineries

A proposed light pollution ordinance would be unfair to wineries, according to Temecula's supervisor.

A proposal was up for discussion at a meeting today to impose fines up to $500 on residents and businesses whose outdoor lights create a nuissance .

Stone said vineyards often have to deploy workers to pick grapes in the middle of the night, and they use what might be comparable to athletic field lighting.

"I know we want to get this ordinance on the books soon, but there are a number of unintended consequences that may require more comprehensive thought," Supervisor Jeff Stone said of the "light trespass" measure, which was proposed by Supervisor John Tavaglione.

Tavaglione was absent from this afternoon's hearing due to work-related travel. The board scheduled another public hearing on the proposal for Nov. 22.

According to the supervisor, homeowners' associations and community centers are also worried about being fined for running high-intensity security lights.

"There are many shopping centers throughout the county with bright lights," Stone said. "The way this ordinance reads, many shopping centers will not be in compliance."

He asked that "appropriate" exemptions be incorporated in the proposed measure.

Tavaglione said last month that the ordinance would provide the county with the necessary tools "to deal with individuals who want to harass neighbors through lighting, or who have lighting in place that impacts communities."

The proposal would set penalties for property owners who allow their exterior "luminaires" to shine too brightly, infringing on neighbors' lots. Tavaglione said excess lighting not only wastes resources but can also "jeopardize the health, safety and welfare" of those exposed.

Corona-area resident William Larsen inspired the supervisor to start researching a light trespass law more than a year ago when he presented photos to the board demonstrating how a neighbor's security lights were illuminating the second-floor of his home every night, all night.

"It all boils down to a big light in my face," Larsen said today. "I'd like to have it so that I never have to see it again."

The proposed ordinance stipulates that 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."

Exceptions would be made for street lights and lights utilized by public safety agencies, as well as lights used for public or private monuments and those activated for special occasions.

A complaint of light trespass would have to be filed with the sheriff's or code enforcement departments, whose 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, according to Tavaglione.

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, the supervisor said.