Bellevue is not a designated dark-sky community but regulates outdoor lighting via LUC 20.20.522. Fixtures must be shielded and directed downward to prevent glare.
Bellevue regulates exterior lighting through Land Use Code 20.20.522 (Outdoor Lighting Standards). While Bellevue is not formally designated a Dark Sky community, the code requires that all outdoor lighting on commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use properties be full cutoff fixtures (IESNA full cutoff classification) with no light emitted above the horizontal plane. Luminaires must be shielded so that direct illumination does not extend beyond property lines onto adjacent residential uses. Maximum illumination at residential property lines is 0.1 foot-candles. Single-family residential lighting is exempt from most standards but must not constitute a nuisance under Bellevue City Code 9.10 (Nuisances). Motion-activated security lighting is allowed if on timers. Seasonal holiday lighting is permitted from November 1 through January 31 each year without permit. String lights and cafe lighting for outdoor dining require design review in commercial zones. LED color temperature should not exceed 3000K in sensitive areas near critical habitat. Call Development Services at 425-452-6800 for commercial lighting plan review.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Bellevue, WA
Outdoor music must comply with BCC 9.18 limits. Special events with amplified sound require a noise variance from the City Clerk and typically must end by 10...
Bellevue, WA
Aircraft noise is federally preempted by the FAA. Bellevue sits in the Sea-Tac contour near Renton Municipal Airport. Complaints go to Port of Seattle Aviati...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue treats habitual barking as a nuisance under BCC Title 8 and BCC 9.18. King County Regional Animal Services investigates complaints and issues warnin...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue enforces RCW 46.55 and BCC 11.23 against vehicles left on streets more than 72 hours or stored inoperable on private property, with impoundment and ...
Bellevue, WA
RCW 16.60 governs boundary fences and cost-sharing in Washington. LUC 20.20.400 controls height and placement. Spite fences allow civil remedy. Get a survey ...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing in residential zones; chain link is allowed but discouraged in front yards by design guid...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle dark sky rules.
See how Bellevue's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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