Dark Sky Rules: Auburn vs Kent
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kent, WA?
Auburn and Kent 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 →Kent, WA
King County
Kent has no International Dark-Sky ordinance but requires shielded, full-cutoff outdoor lighting on new commercial and multi-family projects under KCC 15 landscape and design standards.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ACC Title 18 | - |
| Shielding | Full cutoff typical | - |
| Aiming | Downward, no trespass | - |
| Shoreline | Minimize over-water light | - |
| Plan | Photometrics for commercial | - |
| Policy type | - | Shielded-only, not full dark-sky |
| Pole height | - | ~25 ft commercial max |
| Residential | - | Nuisance rule applies |
| Flashing lights | - | Prohibited absent permit |
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.
Kent FAQ
Does Kent have a dark-sky law?
Not a formal one, but commercial lighting must be shielded and cutoff to limit glare onto neighboring property.
Can my business use uplighting?
Generally yes if shielded, aimed away from streets, and not a traffic or neighbor nuisance.
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