Outdoor Lighting in Olympia, WA (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Olympia, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
In the City of Olympia, Washington, parking area lights in the Downtown Design Sub-Districts must be fully shielded, Dark Sky Approved, and mounted no higher than 20 feet, or 15 feet in the Residential Neighborhood Sub-District. Exterior lighting cannot spill onto adjacent properties, and ground-level light is capped at 5 foot candles.
Olympia WA Downtown Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rules
Some RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.120.360
The maximum exterior light level anywhere within the development is 5 foot candles, measured on the ground. ... Highly contrasting pools of light and dark areas are prohibited. 2. Light quality, height, and shielding. Lighting must meet the following light quality, height, and shielding requirements unless the applicant demonstrates to the City’s satisfaction that there is a compelling reason t...
Light Trespass & Shielding
In the City of Olympia, Washington, OMC 18.40.060(D) requires all display and flood lighting to be constructed and used so as not to unduly illuminate the surrounding properties and not to create a traffic hazard. The Downtown design criteria in OMC 18.120.360 go further: exterior lighting cannot spill onto adjacent properties, and site lighting is capped at 5 foot candles on the ground.
Olympia WA Outdoor Lighting Spillover Rules
Light RestrictionsOlympia Municipal Code § 18.40.060(D)
These standards apply to more than one (1) land use district and are therefore combined in this Chapter. These standards are to be considered in addition to standards and design guidelines located in specific land use district chapters. ... D. Lighting. All display and flood lighting shall be constructed and used so as not to unduly illuminate the surrounding properties and not to create a traf...
Looking for Thurston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Olympia city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Thurston County →