Dark Sky Rules: Kirkland vs Redmond
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Kirkland, WA and Redmond, WA?
Kirkland and Redmond have similar restriction levels.
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 →Redmond, WA
King County
Redmond requires shielded, downward-directed outdoor lighting in commercial and multifamily projects under RMC Title 21 to limit light pollution and preserve nighttime views near parks.
View full Redmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kirkland | Redmond |
|---|---|---|
| Code | KMC Title 115 | - |
| Shielding | Full cutoff typical | - |
| Aiming | Downward, no trespass | - |
| Shoreline | Minimize over-water light | - |
| Plan | Photometrics for commercial | - |
| Commercial | - | Full-cutoff luminaires required |
| Color temp | - | 3000K-4000K cap |
| Residential | - | Nuisance standard only |
| Parks edge | - | Stricter standards apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Redmond FAQ
Does Redmond have a dark-sky ordinance?
Redmond's commercial and multifamily lighting rules function as a dark-sky-style standard with shielding and brightness limits.
Are my home porch lights regulated?
Single-family residential lighting is generally unregulated unless it creates a nuisance for neighbors or illegal glare onto streets.
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