Light Trespass: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do light trespass rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue prohibits lighting that shines onto neighbors or causes glare. Limit is 0.1 foot-candles at residential property lines under LUC 20.20.522.
View full Bellevue rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle addresses light trespass through land use code development standards and general nuisance provisions, requiring outdoor lighting to be directed downward and shielded to prevent spillover onto adjacent properties.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Commercial Standard | - | Shielded, downward-directed fixtures required for commercial development |
| Design Review | - | Larger projects evaluated for lighting neighborhood compatibility |
| Nuisance Provision | - | SMC 10.09 covers unreasonable light trespass |
| Complaint Process | - | SDCI handles complaints about commercial and multifamily lighting |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Seattle FAQ
What can I do about a neighbor's security light shining into my bedroom?
Start by talking to your neighbor, as many are willing to adjust their lighting. If that fails, you can file a nuisance complaint under SMC 10.09 for unreasonable light trespass. For commercial or multifamily properties with non-compliant lighting, file a complaint with SDCI, which can enforce land use code lighting standards.
Are there specific light trespass standards in Seattle?
Seattle does not have specific foot-candle limits for light trespass at property lines like some jurisdictions. Instead, the land use code requires shielded, downward-directed lighting for new development, and the general nuisance ordinance addresses unreasonable light conditions that interfere with neighboring property use.
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