Dark Sky Rules: Auburn vs Seattle
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?
Auburn and Seattle 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 →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle Municipal Code regulates outdoor lighting through zoning standards in §23.45 (residential) and §23.47A (commercial). Fully-shielded fixtures are required on new commercial installations, light trespass is capped at 0.5 foot-candles at residential lines, and recent rules cap color temperature at 3000K. Seattle works with King County on regional dark-sky alignment.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Seattle FAQ
Do I need to replace existing fixtures?
No. Pre-existing fixtures are grandfathered. New installations, replacements, and major remodels must comply with current SMC standards.
Are holiday lights exempt?
Yes. Seasonal decorative lighting is exempt November 15 to January 15 provided fixtures aren't aimed at the sky or laser-projected.
What color temperature is allowed?
New outdoor LEDs are capped at 3000K under the 2022 amendment. Warm-white 2700K is encouraged for residential.
Compare other topics
See how Auburn and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
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