Dark Sky Rules: Bellevue vs Renton
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Renton, WA?
Bellevue and Renton 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 →Renton, WA
King County
Renton Municipal Code 4-4-075 regulates outdoor lighting in commercial and multifamily projects to control glare and light trespass. Full cutoff fixtures are generally required in new non-residential development.
View full Renton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Code reference | - | RMC 4-4-075 |
| Cutoff required | - | Non-residential and multifamily |
| Pole height limit | - | Typically 20 to 25 feet |
| Trespass limit | - | About 0.5 foot-candles at residential property line |
| Single-family | - | Largely unregulated except nuisance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Renton FAQ
Do residential porch lights need to be dark-sky compliant?
Single-family residential lighting is largely unregulated unless it becomes a nuisance to neighbors. Shielded fixtures are encouraged but not mandated.
What qualifies as a full cutoff fixture?
A fixture that emits zero light above the horizontal plane of the lamp, directing all output downward, as defined by IES TM-15.
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