Dark Sky Rules: Federal Way vs Renton
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Renton, WA?
Federal Way and Renton have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
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 →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 | Federal Way | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Policy type | Shielded-only, not full dark-sky | - |
| Pole height | ~25 ft commercial max | - |
| Residential | Nuisance rule applies | - |
| Flashing lights | Prohibited absent permit | - |
| 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.
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.
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.
Compare other topics
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