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πŸ’‘ Outdoor Lighting/Dark Sky Rules

Dark Sky Rules: Federal Way vs Kent

How do dark sky rules rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kent, WA?

Federal Way and Kent have similar restriction levels.

Federal Way, WA

King County

Some Restrictions

Federal Way has no International Dark-Sky ordinance but requires shielded, full-cutoff outdoor lighting on new commercial and multi-family projects under FWRC 19 landscape and design standards.

View full Federal Way rules β†’

Kent, WA

King County

Some Restrictions

Kent has no International Dark-Sky ordinance but requires shielded, full-cutoff outdoor lighting on new commercial and multi-family projects under KCC 15 landscape and design standards.

View full Kent rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactFederal WayKent
Policy typeShielded-only, not full dark-skyShielded-only, not full dark-sky
Pole height~25 ft commercial max~25 ft commercial max
ResidentialNuisance rule appliesNuisance rule applies
Flashing lightsProhibited absent permitProhibited absent permit

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Federal Way FAQ

Does Federal Way have a dark-sky law?

Not a formal one, but commercial lighting must be shielded and cutoff to limit glare onto neighboring property.

Can my business use uplighting?

Generally yes if shielded, aimed away from streets, and not a traffic or neighbor nuisance.

Kent FAQ

Does Kent have a dark-sky law?

Not a formal one, but commercial lighting must be shielded and cutoff to limit glare onto neighboring property.

Can my business use uplighting?

Generally yes if shielded, aimed away from streets, and not a traffic or neighbor nuisance.

Compare other topics

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