Holiday Light Rules: Bellevue vs Kent
How do holiday light rules rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue does not regulate the duration or hours of residential holiday lighting on private property. Seasonal decorations are expressly exempt from sign permit requirements under the city's sign code. Lighting on city-owned trees, poles, or public right-of-way requires a Holiday Lighting Permit, must be installed no earlier than November 1, and must be removed by January 31.
View full Bellevue rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent does not regulate the duration, hours, or brightness of residential holiday lighting on private property. Seasonal decorations are not treated as permanent signs under KCC Title 15. Practical limits come from glare and nuisance rules and from the prohibition on installing lights in the public right-of-way without a Right-of-Way Use Permit administered by Kent Public Works.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Private Property Permit | Not required (seasonal) | Not required |
| Removal Deadline | None (private property) | None (private property) |
| Public ROW Permit | Required (Appendix J) | Required (Public Works) |
| ROW Install Window | Nov 1 - Jan 31 | - |
| Glare Standard | LUC 20.20.522 | - |
| Electrical Code | NEC via WAC 296-46B | NEC via WAC 296-46B |
| Sight-Distance | - | Must remain clear |
| HOA Rules | - | May apply privately |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
When do I have to take down my Bellevue Christmas lights?
There is no city deadline for residential holiday lights on private property. Bellevue's sign code (BCC 22B.10) exempts seasonal decorations entirely. Lights installed on city trees, poles, or in the public right-of-way must be removed by January 31 under the Right-of-Way Use Manual Appendix J.
Do I need a permit for holiday lights at my Bellevue home?
No, not for lights on your own property. You only need a Holiday Lighting Permit if you install lights on city-owned trees, street-light poles, or other public right-of-way. That permit is filed through MyBuildingPermit.com at least one month before installation.
Kent FAQ
When do I have to take down my Kent Christmas lights?
There is no city deadline for residential holiday lights on private property in Kent. KCC does not include a removal date or hours-of-illumination cap for seasonal residential lighting. Lights attached to city trees, poles, or in the public right-of-way must be removed under the Right-of-Way Use Permit conditions issued by Kent Public Works.
Do I need a permit for holiday lights at my Kent home?
No, not for lights on your own property. Seasonal residential lighting is not treated as a sign under KCC Title 15, so no city permit is required. A Right-of-Way Use Permit is only needed if you install lights on city-owned trees, street-light poles, or other public right-of-way.
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