Dark Sky Rules: Auburn vs Redmond
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Auburn, WA and Redmond, WA?
Auburn and Redmond 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 →Redmond, WA
King County
Redmond requires shielded, downward-directed outdoor lighting in commercial and multifamily projects under RMC Title 21 to limit light pollution and preserve nighttime views near parks.
View full Redmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Redmond |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ACC Title 18 | - |
| Shielding | Full cutoff typical | - |
| Aiming | Downward, no trespass | - |
| Shoreline | Minimize over-water light | - |
| Plan | Photometrics for commercial | - |
| Commercial | - | Full-cutoff luminaires required |
| Color temp | - | 3000K-4000K cap |
| Residential | - | Nuisance standard only |
| Parks edge | - | Stricter standards apply |
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.
Redmond FAQ
Does Redmond have a dark-sky ordinance?
Redmond's commercial and multifamily lighting rules function as a dark-sky-style standard with shielding and brightness limits.
Are my home porch lights regulated?
Single-family residential lighting is generally unregulated unless it creates a nuisance for neighbors or illegal glare onto streets.
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