Light Trespass: Redmond vs Renton
How do light trespass rules compare between Redmond, WA and Renton, WA?
Redmond and Renton have similar restriction levels.
Redmond, WA
King County
Redmond light trespass is controlled through property-line foot-candle limits in RMC Title 21 for commercial sites and the general nuisance code for residential lighting that disturbs neighbors.
View full Redmond rules →Renton, WA
King County
Renton limits light spillover onto neighbor property under RMC 4-4-075, generally to about 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. Nuisance lighting complaints are investigated by Code Compliance.
View full Renton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redmond | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial cap | 0.1-0.5 fc at property line | - |
| Residential | Nuisance standard applies | - |
| First step | Shield or redirect fixture | - |
| Complaint | Redmond Code Enforcement | - |
| Spillover limit | - | About 0.5 foot-candles at residential line |
| Full cutoff | - | Required on non-residential |
| Nuisance | - | RMC Title 1 for excessive lighting |
| Complaints | - | Renton Code Compliance (425) 430-7373 |
| Common law | - | Nuisance remedies under WA law |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redmond FAQ
My Redmond neighbor's floodlight shines in my bedroom — what now?
Ask them to shield or redirect it first, and if that fails you can file a nuisance complaint with Redmond Code Enforcement.
Can I install motion-sensor floodlights in my yard?
Yes, motion-sensor lighting is encouraged as long as it does not cause persistent glare or direct spill into a neighbor's windows.
Renton FAQ
My neighbors security light shines in my bedroom. What can I do?
Talk with the neighbor first. If that fails, contact Renton Code Compliance to investigate whether it rises to a nuisance under city code.
Is there a specific decibel-like metric for light brightness?
Yes. Light levels are measured in foot-candles or lux at the property line with a calibrated meter during nighttime hours.
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