How Redmond Handles Outdoor Lighting: A Practical Guide

Redmond maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with outdoor lighting. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Redmond falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Dark Sky Rules

Redmond requires shielded, downward-directed outdoor lighting in commercial and multifamily projects under RMC Title 21 to limit light pollution and preserve nighttime views near parks.

Key details: Commercial: Full-cutoff luminaires required. Color temp: 3000K-4000K cap. Residential: Nuisance standard only. Parks edge: Stricter standards apply.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Light Trespass

Redmond light trespass is controlled through property-line foot-candle limits in RMC Title 21 for commercial sites and the general nuisance code for residential lighting that disturbs neighbors.

Key details: Commercial cap: 0.1-0.5 fc at property line. Residential: Nuisance standard applies. First step: Shield or redirect fixture. Complaint: Redmond Code Enforcement.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The Bottom Line

Redmond's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Redmond is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Redmond's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.