Commercial Landscape Outdoor Lighting in Altadena
Professional Landscape Outdoor Lighting services for Altadena homes and businesses. Expert electrical installation with fire-resistant design, modern safety features, and full code compliance.
Our Work
Benefits
Smart, Community-Sensitive Systems
We design commercial lighting systems that balance operational needs with Altadena’s dark-sky principles and residential adjacency. Our approach uses multi-tap transformers with spare capacity, modular LED fixtures with replaceable drivers, and structured cable pathways that accommodate future expansion. Control strategies include astronomic time clocks synchronized to foothill sunset times, photocells for reliable automatic operation, occupancy sensors for after-hours security lighting, and dimming schedules that reduce output late evening to minimize light trespass. For properties with outdoor dining or event spaces, we create flexible zoning that adapts from active business hours to subdued after-hours levels. IES BUG-rated fixtures with cutoff optics direct light only where needed, preventing sky glow and respecting neighboring properties. This methodology delivers predictable operating costs, simplified maintenance, and lighting that supports business success while honoring community character.
County Permits & Title 24 Compliance
Shaffer Construction manages all permitting and code compliance for Altadena commercial projects. We design to the 2022 California Electrical Code and Title 24 Part 6, ensuring outdoor lighting power densities meet requirements and all control strategies satisfy automatic shutoff, photocell, and motion sensor standards. Our electrical plans detail circuit schedules, load calculations, transformer specifications, and control narratives. We coordinate Title 24 Lighting Controls Acceptance Testing with certified technicians and provide complete as-built documentation including wiring diagrams, fixture schedules, and maintenance protocols. This thoroughness ensures smooth County inspections, long-term compliance, and systems that may qualify for utility rebates where available. Whether working with County Building and Safety, fire department reviews for VHFHSZ properties, or addressing community design expectations, we deliver permitted, compliant installations that serve your business while respecting Altadena’s distinctive character.
Foothill-Durable Construction
Altadena’s foothill environment—with temperature variations, seasonal storms, dry winds, and mature landscaping—demands robust materials and careful installation. We specify fixtures with durable brass or powder-coated aluminum bodies, stainless steel mounting hardware, and sealed LED modules rated IP65 or higher. All transformers are weather-rated with integrated surge protection and multi-tap capability. We use gel-filled, waterproof splice connectors (DBRY or equivalent) with heat-shrink protection on every connection. Primary voltage runs are installed in Schedule 40 PVC conduit, while low-voltage cable is direct-burial rated and installed at proper depths with warning tape. Hub wiring methodology balances voltage across zones, preventing dim fixtures at run ends. We hand-trench near mature street trees and use conduit under sidewalks and driveways. Every installation undergoes voltage testing at the furthest points, and we provide detailed as-built drawings showing circuit routing, transformer locations, and splice points for future service. These practices deliver systems engineered for 15–20+ years of reliable performance despite foothill weather conditions and established root systems.
Site-Specific Design Methodology
Our design process begins with a comprehensive site audit—ideally including an evening visit to assess existing conditions, dark zones, and potential light trespass to adjacent properties. We review business operations, hours, safety priorities, and customer flow patterns. For Lake Avenue retailers and restaurants, we focus on creating welcoming storefronts and safe parking without over-lighting or impacting residential neighbors. Office and medical facilities require balanced illumination for parking areas, pedestrian paths, and building identification that enhances safety while respecting dark-sky principles. We consider property lines, mature street trees, architectural features, elevation changes, and view corridors. Plans include fixture schedules with beam angles and warm color temperatures (2700K–3000K typical), photometric concepts for critical areas, transformer sizing with voltage drop calculations, control strategies meeting Title 24, and circuit routing that protects tree roots. You receive a clear proposal with performance expectations, energy consumption estimates, and timeline before work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do commercial landscape lighting projects in Altadena require permits?+
Yes, new exterior circuits, transformer installations, and significant lighting upgrades require electrical permits through LA County Building and Safety. Projects in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones may have additional fire department review. We handle all permit submittals, coordinate rough and final inspections, and navigate any special requirements. Typical permit processing takes 1–3 weeks depending on project scope.
How do you prevent light trespass to adjacent residential properties?+
We use IES BUG-rated fixtures with cutoff optics that direct light only where needed, specify warm color temperatures (2700K–3000K) that minimize sky glow, carefully control mounting heights and aiming angles, and program dimming schedules that reduce output after business hours. Our photometric analysis identifies potential trespass before installation. We follow dark-sky principles and design sensitively for Altadena’s mixed commercial-residential character. This approach meets business needs while being a good neighbor.
Will trenching damage the mature street trees along Lake Avenue and other commercial corridors?+
No—we use hand trenching techniques and route cables outside tree drip lines and critical root zones. We work with arborist-approved methods, use conduit under sidewalks and high-traffic areas, and trench to appropriate depths that avoid major roots. Our crews understand the value of Altadena’s mature street trees and take care to preserve them. We restore all disturbed areas and coordinate with irrigation systems to ensure everything functions properly after installation.
Can you work outside business hours to avoid disrupting our operations?+
Absolutely. For restaurants, retail, medical offices, and other businesses operating during standard hours, we routinely schedule installation work during evenings, early mornings, or weekends. We coordinate with you and neighboring businesses, use barriers and signage to maintain safe customer access, and provide progress updates. Programming and final aiming sessions are typically performed in early evening to verify proper operation. Our goal is seamless installation with zero impact on your daily operations.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free consultation and quote on your electrical project!
Contact Us