Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I report a streetlight out?
    If you notice a streetlight is burned out or needs repair, please contact the Southern California Edison Company at 1 (800) 611-1911 or online at https://www.sce.com/outage-center/report-street-light-outage page. The Street Lighting Section Hotline can also be reached at 1 (800) 618-7575.
  2. Why doesn't my street have streetlights?
    In October 1964, the Los Angeles County adopted the subdivision ordinance, which requires developers to install a street lighting system in each division of land in the unincorporated areas. Before 1964, the County installed streetlights only if developers volunteered to install them or if requested by the community.
  3. What type of streetlights are there?
    There are existing streetlights on wood, steel and concrete poles. All new streetlights will be installed on concrete poles or existing wood power poles. If you wish to request new or additional streetlights in your community, please submit the request using the Streetlight Request page, or contact Street Lighting Section at (800) 618-7575.
  4. What type of lighting fixtures is being used?
    Light Emitting Diode (LED) streetlights are the latest in streetlight technology. They are much more energy efficient and provides improved visibility to motorists.
  5. Who is responsible for the installation of streetlights?
    Los Angeles County has responsibility for design, construction and operation of street lighting in the County areas and in the 18 cities where the County administers the lighting districts. The majority of streetlights are installed by developers as conditions of development.
  6. Who pays for the installation, maintenance and operation of streetlights?
    The installation costs of the streetlights are paid for by the property owners. The County Lighting District can finance the installation costs of the streetlights with the property owners repaying back the County Lighting District over a 10 to 15 year period with interest through the annual property tax bill. Annual assessments collected from the property owners benefit the maintenance and operational costs of the streetlights.
  7. Better lighting is needed on my street. How can I get more lights or upgraded lights?
    Upon receipt of a request, Public Works will evaluate the existing street lighting system to determine if additional lighting is needed. If the area is in the lighting district, it takes approximately from 12 to 18 months to install the streetlights. If the area is not in a lighting district then annexation is required which can take up to 18 months to annex the area into a County Lighting District and additional 12 to 18 months to install the streetlights. Please refer to the Streetlight Request tab for additional information.
  8. How to prepare and submit a street lighting plan if I was conditioned by the County to install streetlights.
    The street lighting plan required as part of a development/project approval must be prepared per Procedures for the Preparation of Streetlights Layouts manual. This manual is found on the Developers page.