Outdoor Lighting in Richland, WA (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Richland, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
The City of Richland regulates outdoor lighting under RMC Chapter 23.58 to protect the nighttime character of the desert sky and cut glare and light trespass. Every outdoor light fixture installed since the ordinance took effect must be fully shielded so its light source sits level with or above the fixture edge, keeping direct light from spilling upward under RMC § 23.58.030(A).
Richland dark-sky outdoor lighting shielding rule
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code §§ 23.58.010, 23.58.030(A)
This chapter is intended to establish standards to provide for properly designed and installed outdoor lighting. It is intended to reduce or eliminate problems of glare, minimize light trespass into public spaces and private property, promote energy conservation, protect the nighttime character of the desert sky, and help reduce the energy and financial costs of outdoor lighting by establishing...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Richland's outdoor lighting code defines light trespass as light shining beyond the property line where a fixture sits, and RMC § 23.58.030(B) requires every outdoor light fixture to be shielded so its lamp is not directly visible from neighboring property, the city's Good Neighbor shielding standard.
Richland light trespass onto neighbors banned
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code §§ 23.58.020, 23.58.030(B)
"Light trespass" means the shining of light produced by a luminaire beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is located. ... ... B. Directed or "Good Neighbor" Shielding. All outdoor light fixtures shall be shielded in a manner that directs light downward and limits direct line of sight of a fixture's lamp to the property upon which the fixture is installed, unless excluded by RMC § 23...
Billboard Lighting
Richland's outdoor lighting chapter expressly counts billboard lighting as an outdoor light fixture under RMC § 23.58.020, so billboards must meet the same shielding standards as any other fixture, and RMC § 23.58.040(C) separately bans floodlighting an outdoor sign above the horizontal between midnight and sunrise.
Richland billboard lighting shielding and curfew
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code §§ 23.58.020, 23.58.040(C)
"Outdoor light fixtures" include but are not limited to lighting for billboards, street lights, shopping center parking area lights, externally or internally illuminated on-site or business advertising signs and area type lighting. ... It is unlawful for any individual to engage in the following activities: ... ... C. The illumination of outdoor signs by floodlighting projected above the horizo...
Looking for Benton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Richland city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Benton County →