Dark Sky Rules: Bellevue vs Kirkland
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Bellevue and Kirkland 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 →Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland outdoor lighting standards in KMC Title 115 require shielded fixtures and limit light spill across property lines to protect neighbors and night-sky quality along the Lake Washington shoreline.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code | - | KMC Title 115 |
| Shielding | - | Full cutoff typical |
| Aiming | - | Downward, no trespass |
| Shoreline | - | Minimize over-water light |
| Plan | - | Photometrics for commercial |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Kirkland FAQ
Can I install floodlights on my Kirkland 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 Kirkland an official dark-sky community?
Kirkland is not certified by DarkSky International, but its outdoor lighting standards align with dark-sky principles by requiring shielded, downward-directed lighting.
Compare other topics
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