Dark Sky Rules: Redmond vs Seattle
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Redmond, WA and Seattle, WA?
Redmond and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
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 →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle Municipal Code regulates outdoor lighting through zoning standards in §23.45 (residential) and §23.47A (commercial). Fully-shielded fixtures are required on new commercial installations, light trespass is capped at 0.5 foot-candles at residential lines, and recent rules cap color temperature at 3000K. Seattle works with King County on regional dark-sky alignment.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redmond | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.
Seattle FAQ
Do I need to replace existing fixtures?
No. Pre-existing fixtures are grandfathered. New installations, replacements, and major remodels must comply with current SMC standards.
Are holiday lights exempt?
Yes. Seasonal decorative lighting is exempt November 15 to January 15 provided fixtures aren't aimed at the sky or laser-projected.
What color temperature is allowed?
New outdoor LEDs are capped at 3000K under the 2022 amendment. Warm-white 2700K is encouraged for residential.
Compare other topics
See how Redmond and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
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