Dark Sky Rules: Kent vs Kirkland
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Kent, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Kent and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Kent, WA
King County
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 →Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland outdoor lighting standards in KMC Title 115 require shielded fixtures and limit light spill across property lines to protect neighbors and night-sky quality along the Lake Washington shoreline.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Policy type | Shielded-only, not full dark-sky | - |
| Pole height | ~25 ft commercial max | - |
| Residential | Nuisance rule applies | - |
| Flashing lights | Prohibited absent permit | - |
| Code | - | KMC Title 115 |
| Shielding | - | Full cutoff typical |
| Aiming | - | Downward, no trespass |
| Shoreline | - | Minimize over-water light |
| Plan | - | Photometrics for commercial |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Kirkland FAQ
Can I install floodlights on my Kirkland garage?
Yes, if fixtures are shielded, aimed downward, and do not spill onto neighboring yards. Bright unshielded floodlights that reach neighbor windows often trigger a nuisance complaint.
Is Kirkland an official dark-sky community?
Kirkland is not certified by DarkSky International, but its outdoor lighting standards align with dark-sky principles by requiring shielded, downward-directed lighting.
Compare other topics
See how Kent and Kirkland compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool