Kennewick, WA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielding required
- Fully shielded, light-level fixture
- Direction rule
- Light directed downward, on-site only
- Pole height cap
- Not taller than nearest streetlight
- Claim deadline
- 1 year to sue (18.39.070)
Summary
Kennewick requires all outdoor light fixtures installed since Chapter 18.39 took effect to be fully shielded so no direct light shines above the horizontal, and directed downward to stay off neighboring property.
(1)Uplight Shielding. Unless otherwise provided for in this Chapter, all outdoor light fixtures, installed after the enactment of this Chapter, shall be fully shielded in such a manner that the center of light source shall be level or above the edge of the light fixture so that direct light emitted above the horizontal is minimized. All outdoor lighting fixtures, in lieu of shields, shall be equipped with refractors, which minimize any direct light emitted above the horizontal.(2)Directed or "Good Neighbor" Shielding. All outdoor light fixtures shall be shielded in a manner that directs light downward and limits direct line of sight of a fixture's lamp to the property upon which the fixture is installed
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
KMC 18.39.030 is Kennewick's outdoor-lighting standard, adopted to protect the city's night sky and cut glare and light trespass. Every outdoor light fixture installed after Chapter 18.39 took effect must be fully shielded so the light source sits level with or above the fixture's edge, minimizing direct light emitted above the horizontal, or fitted with a refractor that does the same. Fixtures must also use 'good neighbor' shielding that directs light downward and keeps a fixture's lamp out of direct line of sight from neighboring property. Light poles generally can't exceed the height of the nearest streetlight, and parking areas must be illuminated.
Violations & Fines
Installing or operating an unshielded fixture that casts glare or light trespass onto neighboring property violates KMC 18.39.030 and 18.39.040; legal action under this Chapter must be filed within one year under KMC 18.39.070.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kennewick require shielded outdoor lights?
Can my outdoor light shine onto my neighbor's yard in Kennewick?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kennewick
Compare Kennewick to another location·View the Washington outdoor lighting overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.