Outdoor Lighting in Island County, WA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Island County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

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

Dark Sky Rules

New or replaced outdoor lighting in Freeland's Non-Municipal Urban Growth Area must use warm-colored, shielded fixtures under Island County Code Section 17.06.570, adopted to preserve dark skies and protect wildlife habitat from artificial light. Fixtures must run below 4500 Kelvin for commercial sites, 3500 Kelvin for residential, and be cutoff or full cutoff type.

Island County Freeland Dark-Sky Lighting Rules

Some Restrictions

Island County Code § 17.06.570

A.Purpose.1.To limit outdoor lighting to the minimum necessary for safety, security, utility, way-finding, enjoyment, and commerce.2.To minimize offsite impacts, such as light trespass (light and glare on adjacent properties), preserve the dark skies, protect natural habitats from the damage of artificial light, and provide a more pleasant and comfortable nighttime environment, without detracti...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass & Shielding

Freeland outdoor lighting cannot exceed 1.0 footcandle at the property line, dropping to 0.5 footcandle where the neighboring lot is zoned Low or Medium Density, under Island County Code Section 17.06.570.D.3. Any spillover onto Low or Medium Density neighbors must also be minimized with shielding, frosted bulbs, or landscaping under Section 17.06.570.E.5.

Island County Freeland Light Trespass Limits

Some Restrictions

Island County Code § 17.06.570

3.Maximum light levels.(i)Lighting must be oriented to the interior of the property and not onto adjacent properties, streets or sidewalks.(ii)The average illumination level shall not exceed 1.5 footcandles for the illuminated non-residential areas and .55 footcandles for residential areas.(iii)The maximum light level of any light fixture cannot exceed 1.0 footcandles measured at the property l...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Island County ordinances

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