Outdoor Lighting in Spokane County, WA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Spokane County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

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

Dark Sky Rules

Spokane County Zoning Code Chapter 14.826 requires that any outdoor lighting be positioned and shielded so it does not shine directly onto a neighboring residence. Parking-lot lighting must be down-shielded to avoid glare onto adjacent properties and rights-of-way.

Outdoor Lighting / Dark-Sky Rules in Spokane County

Some Restrictions

SCC 14.826.100

Any lights, whether freestanding or attached to a building or structure, which illuminate any outdoor area of a lot, shall be positioned, placed, constructed, shielded or used so as not to illuminate directly any building or structure or portion thereof on an adjacent lot containing a building or structure used as a residence.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass & Shielding

Under Spokane County Zoning Code 14.826.100, outdoor lights must be shielded so they do not shine directly onto a neighbor's home. Parking-lot fixtures must also be down-shielded to prevent glare spilling onto adjacent properties or rights-of-way.

Light Trespass Rules in Spokane County

Some Restrictions

SCC 14.802.100 (Illumination); see also SCC 14.826.100

All light sources shall be constructed, down shielded and used as not to illuminate directly or create glare visible from adjacent properties or public rights of way.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Billboard Lighting

Billboards are banned outright in every zone in unincorporated Spokane County under SCC 14.804.050(10), so there is no county standard written specifically for billboard lighting; any lit billboard would have to be a legal nonconforming sign, and even then it must meet the general low-intensity illumination rule in SCC 14.804.160.

Billboard Lighting Rules in Spokane County

Heavy Restrictions

SCC 14.804.050(10); 14.804.160

The following signs are prohibited in all zones unless otherwise specifically permitted: ... 9.All portable electric signs. ... 10.Billboards.11.Off-premises signs. ... Externally illuminated signs shall have low intensity lighting, confined to the sign, and be positioned and shielded to minimize impacts to the surrounding area(s). Internally illuminated signs shall have low intensity lighting.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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