Dark Sky Rules: Everett vs Lynnwood
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Everett, WA and Lynnwood, WA?
Everett and Lynnwood have similar restriction levels.
Everett, WA
Snohomish County
Everett regulates outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution and glare. Fully shielded fixtures required for new installations. Lighting must be directed downward and not trespass onto neighboring properties.
View full Everett rules →Lynnwood, WA
Snohomish County
Unincorporated Snohomish County has no formal dark-sky ordinance, but its development standards require outdoor lighting to be hooded or shaded so direct light does not create glare when viewed from surrounding property or rights-of-way.
View full Lynnwood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Everett | Lynnwood |
|---|---|---|
| Fixtures | Fully shielded required | - |
| Direction | Downward only | - |
| Color Temp | 3000K or below preferred | - |
| Topic | Dark Sky Rules | - |
| Dedicated dark-sky code | - | None county-wide |
| Glare rule | - | SCC 30.22.130 |
| Requirement | - | Hooded or shaded fixtures |
| Zone design standard | - | SCC 30.34A.110 |
| Lumen cap | - | None for basic yard lights |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Everett FAQ
What does fully shielded mean?
The fixture must direct all light downward with no light emitted above the horizontal plane. This prevents glare and sky glow while still providing ground illumination.
Can my neighbor's lights shine into my yard?
Most codes prohibit light trespass onto neighboring properties. Contact Everett code enforcement if outdoor lights from adjacent properties create a nuisance.
Lynnwood FAQ
Does Snohomish County have a dark-sky ordinance?
Not a comprehensive one, but Title 30 requires outdoor lighting to be hooded or shaded so it does not create glare on surrounding property or rights-of-way.
Are there brightness limits on yard lights?
There is no county-wide lumen cap for basic residential lighting, but fixtures must be shielded to avoid glare, and glare nuisances can be enforced.
Compare other topics
See how Everett and Lynnwood compare on other ordinance categories.
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