Street Light Requests

The City provides street lights on all major circulation element roads that are not in a "dark skies" area.  The City does not generally install street lights in residential areas unless a significant traffic safety problem exists.  There are options, however, for residential property owners to secure outdoor safety lighting.

One option for obtaining street lights is to voluntarily enter into the City's Lighting and Landscape District Zone B, which provides localized lighting in residential areas.  By entering into Zone B, all property owners within 300' of the street light are assessed annually for maintenance and electricity expenses related to the street light.  The current annual assessment rate is $9.09 and subject to change.  In addition, the cost of the street lights, plus installation, is apportioned to all property owners benefiting from the street light.  To pursue this option, property owners must circulate a petition and secure 67% of the affected property owners' (not renters) signatures.  A sample petition is available at City Hall.

A second option is to contract exclusively with SDG&E.   If there are existing utility poles in the subject areas, SDG&E will generally bear the cost of installing a light fixture on the utility pole.  The property owner requesting the light is responsible for monthly energy charges and would be billed directly by SDG&E.  The City does not have any involvement with this arrangement.

A final option is to purchase a "Dusk to Dawn" light from a building supply store and mount it to the home.  This is generally the most efficient and cost-effective method.

For more information about street lighting, please contact Leroy Bodas, Sr. Civil Engineer at Lbodas@ci.encinitas.ca.us.