Kirkland outdoor lighting standards in KMC Title 115 require shielded fixtures and limit light spill across property lines to protect neighbors and night-sky quality along the Lake Washington shoreline.
Outdoor lighting on private property in Kirkland is regulated through design and performance standards in KMC Title 115. The city generally requires outdoor lighting fixtures to be full cutoff or shielded so that the light source is not directly visible from adjacent residential properties or public rights-of-way. Lighting must be aimed downward, limited in height, and designed to avoid light trespass beyond the property line. Commercial and mixed-use zones have more detailed photometric submittal requirements during design review, with maximum illumination levels at property boundaries adjacent to residential uses. Building permit applicants for new or expanded commercial sites typically submit a lighting plan showing pole heights, fixture types, color temperature, and photometric calculations. Residential standards are less prescriptive but still prohibit nuisance lighting that interferes with neighbors or motorists. Shoreline properties on Lake Washington, Juanita Bay, and Yarrow Bay should additionally minimize over-water lighting to protect salmon habitat and migrating waterfowl under shoreline regulations. Code enforcement may require owners to aim, shield, or time outdoor fixtures if complaints are substantiated. Kirkland Planning and Building at (425) 587-3600 can provide lighting plan checklists.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle dark sky rules.
See how Kirkland's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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