Dark Sky Rules: Auburn vs Bellevue
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Auburn, WA and Bellevue, WA?
Auburn and Bellevue have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn outdoor lighting standards in ACC Title 18 require shielded fixtures and limit light spill across property lines to protect neighbors and preserve night-sky quality in residential areas.
View full Auburn rules →Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue is not a designated dark-sky community but regulates outdoor lighting via LUC 20.20.522. Fixtures must be shielded and directed downward to prevent glare.
View full Bellevue rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ACC Title 18 | - |
| Shielding | Full cutoff typical | - |
| Aiming | Downward, no trespass | - |
| Shoreline | Minimize over-water light | - |
| Plan | Photometrics for commercial | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Can I install floodlights on my Auburn garage?
Yes, if fixtures are shielded, aimed downward, and do not spill onto neighboring yards. Bright unshielded floodlights that reach neighbor windows often trigger a nuisance complaint.
Is Auburn an official dark-sky community?
Auburn is not certified by DarkSky International, but its outdoor lighting standards align with dark-sky principles by requiring shielded, downward-directed lighting.
Bellevue FAQ
Compare other topics
See how Auburn and Bellevue compare on other ordinance categories.
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