Thurston County, WA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Streets and sites shall provide adequate lighting, while minimizing adverse impacts, such as glare and overhead sky glow, on adjacent properties and the public right-of-way.4.Use of minimum wattage metal halide or color-corrected sodium light sources is encouraged. Noncolor corrected low pressure sodium and mercury vapor light sources are prohibited.5.Light fixtures attached to the exterior of a building shall be architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors, and details of the building and shall comply with local building codes. The type of light source used on the exterior of buildings, signs, pedestrian walkways, and other areas of a site, shall provide adequate light quality.6.Light fixtures shall be of a pedestrian scale, provided lights within the interior of a parking lot may be at a greater height for security purposes. Facades shall be lit from the exterior, and, as a general rule, lights should be concealed through shielding or recessed behind architectural features. The use of low pressure sodium, fluorescent, or mercury vapor lighting either attached to buildings or to light the exterior of buildings shall be prohibited. Mounting brackets and associated hardware should be inconspicuous. Refer to Illustration 40.7.Operation and maintenance of street lights shall be the responsibility of a homeowner's association, the city of Lacey or other appropriate entity. (Ord. 11274 § 1 (part), 1996; Ord. No. 15390, § 1(Att. A, § S), 11-29-2016)