Dark Sky Rules: Bellevue vs Kent
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue is not a designated dark-sky community but regulates outdoor lighting via LUC 20.20.522. Fixtures must be shielded and directed downward to prevent glare.
View full Bellevue rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent has no International Dark-Sky ordinance but requires shielded, full-cutoff outdoor lighting on new commercial and multi-family projects under KCC 15 landscape and design standards.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Policy type | - | Shielded-only, not full dark-sky |
| Pole height | - | ~25 ft commercial max |
| Residential | - | Nuisance rule applies |
| Flashing lights | - | Prohibited absent permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Kent FAQ
Does Kent have a dark-sky law?
Not a formal one, but commercial lighting must be shielded and cutoff to limit glare onto neighboring property.
Can my business use uplighting?
Generally yes if shielded, aimed away from streets, and not a traffic or neighbor nuisance.
Compare other topics
See how Bellevue and Kent compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool