Auburn, WA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

030(A) makes shielding mandatory: outdoor lighting fixtures must be built with shielding on all sides, and the light source or element cannot be visible at or beyond the property line. Fixture height is also capped by location: 16 feet within 50 feet of a residential zoning district, 30 feet over surface parking areas, and 24 feet in the C-1, C-2, M-1 and M-2 districts. 020 when the chapter's applicability provisions require one. 030(D) sets parking lots, driveways and trash enclosure areas at a minimum maintained one foot-candle and an average not exceeding four foot-candles, and pedestrian walkways at a minimum half foot-candle and an average not exceeding two foot-candles.

3 caps light measured at the nearest residential structure or rear yard setback line at one-tenth of a foot-candle, the number that actually governs light trespass complaints between adjoining lots. 4, though lights may stay on past normal hours for flag illumination, security purposes such as pathway or entry lighting, or during special events. 040 unless a temporary use permit is issued for a specific event.