Yakima County, WA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- No Washington dark-sky statute
- Authority
- UAZO, YMC 15.06.100
- Fixtures
- Down-shielding near homes
- Photometric Plan
- May be required
- Airport Overlay
- Tighter lighting rules
Summary
Washington has no state dark-sky law, so Yakima relies on its Urban Area Zoning Ordinance. Site lighting must be shielded and directed away from neighbors, with down-shielding required near residential zones under YMC 15.06.100.
When provided, lighting shall be directed to reflect away from adjacent and abutting properties. Parking lots adjacent to residential districts or uses shall be designed with down-shielding and luminaries creating no lighting pollution upon those properties.
Full Breakdown
There is no statewide dark-sky statute, so outdoor lighting in the Yakima urban area is controlled by the Urban Area Zoning Ordinance. Under YMC 15.06.100, parking and site lighting must reflect away from adjacent and abutting properties, and lots next to residential districts must use down-shielding and luminaires that create no light pollution on those homes. A photometric plan may be required near residences. Tighter rules apply within the Airport Safety Overlay near McAllister Field. Rural unincorporated parcels fall under Yakima County Code Title 19. Full-cutoff, downward-facing fixtures are the practical standard for compliance.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant fixtures draw a notice to correct, commonly within 30 days. Failure to fix them brings fines, and commercial sites risk permit conditions or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington have a dark-sky law?
What fixtures comply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima County
Compare Yakima County to another location·View the Washington outdoor lighting overview
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