Holiday Light Rules: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do holiday light rules rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue and Seattle 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 →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified outdoor displays, the Outdoor Lighting Code at SMC 23.86.013 covers light trespass, and HOAs typically set the binding rules. Most displays operate freely with no permit.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Private Property Permit | Not required (seasonal) | - |
| Removal Deadline | None (private property) | - |
| Public ROW Permit | Required (Appendix J) | - |
| ROW Install Window | Nov 1 - Jan 31 | - |
| Glare Standard | LUC 20.20.522 | - |
| Electrical Code | NEC via WAC 296-46B | - |
| Display Dates | - | No city restriction |
| Amplified Music | - | 45 dBA night / 55 day |
| Light Trespass | - | 0.1 fc at property line |
| Noise Code | - | SMC 25.08 |
| Lighting Code | - | SMC 23.86.013 |
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.
Seattle FAQ
When do I have to take down holiday lights in Seattle?
The city sets no removal date. Only HOA covenants (where applicable) impose deadlines. Repeated complaints about light trespass under SMC 23.86 are the most likely city enforcement trigger.
Can I play music with my outdoor holiday light show in Seattle?
Yes, but it must stay below 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA at night measured at your property line under SMC 25.08.410. Loud bass and amplified vocals draw complaints quickly.
Do I need a permit for holiday lights in Seattle?
Not for the lights themselves. You do need an electrical permit if you install a new exterior outlet, low-voltage landscape transformer wiring, or hardwired controllers under the Seattle Electrical Code.
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