Dark Sky Rules: Auburn vs Kirkland
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Auburn and Kirkland 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 →Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland outdoor lighting standards in KMC Title 115 require shielded fixtures and limit light spill across property lines to protect neighbors and night-sky quality along the Lake Washington shoreline.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ACC Title 18 | KMC Title 115 |
| Shielding | Full cutoff typical | Full cutoff typical |
| Aiming | Downward, no trespass | Downward, no trespass |
| Shoreline | Minimize over-water light | Minimize over-water light |
| Plan | Photometrics for commercial | 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.
Kirkland FAQ
Can I install floodlights on my Kirkland 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 Kirkland an official dark-sky community?
Kirkland is not certified by DarkSky International, but its outdoor lighting standards align with dark-sky principles by requiring shielded, downward-directed lighting.
Compare other topics
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