Outdoor Lighting in Chelan County, WA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Chelan County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Chelan County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Dark Sky Rules

In the Manson urban growth area of unincorporated Chelan County, Washington, Chelan County Code § 11.23.040(7) requires every new development to control its outdoor lighting. Fixtures must be fully shielded, downward-projecting, and built with an opaque shield so no light escapes sideways, and no light may trespass onto a neighbor's parcel. Blinking or flashing lights are banned outright in residential zoning districts, aside from temporary holiday displays.

Manson UGA Dark-Sky Lighting Rules, Chelan County

Some Restrictions

Chelan County Code § 11.23.040(7)

Dark Sky. All development within the Manson urban growth area shall comply with the following standards to reduce impacts to surrounding properties: A ... ll exterior lighting shall be used in a manner that minimizes light pollution. ... Lights shall be fully shielded and downward projecting. The shield must be opaque so that no light can pass through. ... Lights shall be positioned in a manner...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass & Shielding

Chelan County's zoning code bars exterior lighting from spilling onto a neighbor's land anywhere in the unincorporated county. Section 11.88.080 requires parking lot lights, security lights and every other exterior fixture to be low-intensity and nonflashing, aimed toward the property it serves, or shielded so light cannot project directly across the property line. The standard applies to every zoning district under Title 11 and is enforced by the Department of Community Development alongside the county's general civil code enforcement process.

Chelan County Exterior Lighting Light Trespass Rule

Some Restrictions

Chelan County Code § 11.88.080

Parking lot lights, security lights, or any exterior lighting shall be low-intensity, nonflashing and designed to project toward the property or shall be shielded to keep light from directly projecting over property lines.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Chelan County ordinances

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