Renton, WA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Renton Municipal Code 4-4-075 and landscaping standards under 4-4-070 regulate exterior lighting in new non-residential, multifamily, and mixed-use development. New parking lot and pedestrian lighting must be full cutoff or fully shielded to prevent light from being emitted above the horizontal plane, directing light downward onto the intended area. Maximum fixture heights are typically 20 to 25 feet depending on zone, with lower heights near residential property lines. Light trespass onto adjacent residential properties is limited, generally not exceeding 0.5 foot-candles at the property line. Color temperature and lumen caps may apply in specific overlay districts. Sports field and recreational lighting have separate standards under RMC 4-4-075 addressing hours of operation and shielding. Although Renton is not a formal IDA Dark Sky Community, its lighting standards are consistent with dark-sky principles to protect neighborhoods along the Cedar River corridor and limit glare affecting Renton Municipal Airport approaches. Existing non-conforming fixtures are generally grandfathered but must upgrade when replaced. Residential single-family exterior lighting is largely unregulated except where it creates a nuisance.