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.
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.
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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Yakima County, WA
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Yakima County, WA
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Yakima County, WA
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Yakima County, WA
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Yakima County, WA
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Yakima County, WA
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See how Yakima County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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