Bellevue, WA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Under Bellevue Land Use Code 20.20.522 and Bellevue City Code Chapter 9.10 (Nuisances), outdoor lighting that directly illuminates or creates objectionable glare on adjacent residential properties constitutes a nuisance subject to code enforcement. The technical standard is a maximum of 0.1 foot-candles measured at the residential property line from any off-site light source. Common complaints include unshielded garage flood lights, bright landscape uplighting, commercial parking lot spillover, and LED fixtures with high color temperature causing glare. Residents experiencing light trespass should first attempt to resolve the issue with the neighboring property owner. If unresolved, complaints can be filed with the Bellevue Code Compliance division at 425-452-4570 or through the MyBellevue app. Code Officers may measure illuminance with a light meter during inspection. Violations are Class 1 civil infractions carrying fines up to 250 dollars per day until corrected. Commercial property owners are responsible for controlling spillover from parking and signage lighting. Motion-activated fixtures must shut off within 5 minutes of detection.