Light Trespass: Auburn vs Seattle

My neighbor's security light shines into my bedroom. What can I do?

First ask the neighbor to reaim or shield the fixture. If that fails, file a complaint with Auburn Code Enforcement; officers can order shielding or changes under the lighting standards.

Can I keep my Christmas lights up year-round in Auburn?

Seasonal holiday lighting is allowed, but leaving lights illuminated long after the season and causing trespass onto neighbors may be treated as a nuisance.

What can I do about a neighbor's security light shining into my bedroom?

Start by talking to your neighbor, as many are willing to adjust their lighting. If that fails, you can file a nuisance complaint under SMC 10.09 for unreasonable light trespass. For commercial or multifamily properties with non-compliant lighting, file a complaint with SDCI, which can enforce land use code lighting standards.

Are there specific light trespass standards in Seattle?

Seattle does not have specific foot-candle limits for light trespass at property lines like some jurisdictions. Instead, the land use code requires shielded, downward-directed lighting for new development, and the general nuisance ordinance addresses unreasonable light conditions that interfere with neighboring property use.