Kitsap County, WA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Core rule
- Light directed downward, shielded from above
- Applies to
- All uses except SFD, duplex, RW/FRL/MRO zones
- Pole height cap
- 35 ft (12 ft in pedestrian areas)
- Large-area lighting
- Must use multiple low-intensity sources
- Habitat buffers
- Lighting toward wetlands/habitat prohibited
- Penalty
- Class I civil infraction, per day
Summary
In nearly every zoning district of unincorporated Kitsap County, Section 17.420.030(C) requires outdoor lighting to be aimed downward and shielded from above so it does not pollute the night sky. Large-area lighting must use multiple low-intensity fixtures, and lights aimed at wetlands or habitat buffers are barred outright.
C. Exterior Lighting. 1. In all zones, artificial outdoor lighting shall be arranged so that light is directed downward and away from adjoining properties and shielded from above to prevent light pollution of the night sky and so that no more than one foot candle of illumination leaves the property boundaries. 2. Pole lights may be no taller than thirty-five feet in height, and no taller than twelve feet in pedestrian areas. For pedestrian and multi-use pathways, bollard lighting is encouraged. 3. Where lighting is required for large areas, illumination shall be provided by multiple, low-intensity light sources. 4. Lighting directed toward wetlands and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas and their associated buffers shall be avoided.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4864424; v0 updated 2025-12-08; through 12-08-2025).
Full Breakdown
030(C), "Exterior Lighting," sets the countywide standard for outdoor light fixtures on new development in unincorporated Kitsap County. " Subsection (C)(2) limits freestanding pole lights to a maximum height of thirty-five feet, and to twelve feet in pedestrian areas, and it "encouraged" bollard-style fixtures along pedestrian and multi-use pathways. Subsection (C)(3) requires that where a large area needs lighting, the project must provide illumination through "multiple, low-intensity light sources" rather than a small number of high-intensity fixtures, a design choice aimed at limiting sky glow and glare.
030(A), and it is checked by the Department of Community Development during site-plan and building-permit review for unincorporated Kitsap County parcels. It does not reach Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, or Bainbridge Island, each of which administers its own lighting code.
Violations & Fines
Exterior lighting that is not shielded and directed downward, that uses poles taller than the thirty-five-foot (or twelve-foot pedestrian-area) limit, or that fails the low-intensity standard for large-area lighting violates Section 17.420.030(C) and, like any Title 17 violation, is a Class I civil infraction under Section 17.610.020. Each day the noncompliant fixture remains in place is a separate infraction, processed under the county's civil enforcement ordinance, Chapter 2.116, and the director may order the fixture corrected or shielded under Section 17.610.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kitsap County require shielded, dark-sky-friendly outdoor lighting?
How tall can an outdoor light pole be in Kitsap County?
Can a project light up a wetland or wildlife habitat buffer at night?
Which agency enforces Kitsap County's dark-sky lighting rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kitsap County
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