Spokane's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Spokane, Washington, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Dark Sky Rules

Spokane regulates outdoor lighting under SMC 17C.110 with full-cutoff fixture requirements for new commercial development. No formal IDA Dark Sky designation, but light spillover onto adjoining residential property is restricted.

Key details: Cutoff Rule: Full-cutoff commercial. Code: SMC 17C.110. IDA Status: Not certified. Residential: No trespass onto neighbors. Streetlights: Shielded LED upgrades.

Unshielded commercial lighting: correction notice under SMC 17C.110. Chronic offender: code enforcement action up to $500/day.

Light Trespass

Spokane treats light trespass as a civil nuisance under SMC 10.08. Measurable light spill exceeding 0.5 foot-candles at the receiving property line is generally actionable. Shielded fixtures and appropriate angles are the primary remedy.

Key details: Standard: ~0.5 fc at property line. Code: SMC 10.08 and 17C.110. Fix: Shield and redirect. Color: 2700-3000K preferred. Fine: $100-$500.

Continued trespass after notice: $100-$500 civil penalty. Chronic nuisance: escalated fines and abatement order.

The Bottom Line

Spokane'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 Spokane is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Spokane'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.