Outdoor Lighting in Whatcom County, WA (2026)
1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Whatcom County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Whatcom County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Whatcom County zoning requires outdoor lights be arranged to direct light away from adjoining property and public roads. There is no countywide residential foot-candle cap. Bellingham limits light trespass to about one foot-candle at property lines through design review.
Whatcom County Light Trespass Rules
Some RestrictionsWCC 20.80.523
Any parking area which is intended to be used primarily during nondaylight hours shall be properly illuminated to avoid accidents. Any lights used to illuminate a parking lot shall be so arranged as to direct the light away from the adjoining property and the public road.
Outdoor Lighting by City in Whatcom County
1 cities in Whatcom County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Whatcom County ordinances
See every category we cover for Whatcom County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Whatcom County Ordinance Hub →