In unincorporated Snohomish County outdoor lighting must be hooded or shaded so that direct light does not glare onto surrounding property or rights-of-way. Sign lighting has the same rule, so light spilling onto a neighbor can be a violation.
The county controls light trespass through glare-prevention language rather than a numeric footcandle limit. SCC 30.22.130 requires artificial lighting to be hooded or shaded so direct outside lighting will not result in glare when viewed from surrounding property or rights-of-way. For signs, SCC 30.27.010 requires that artificial lighting, excluding digital signs, be hooded or shaded so that direct light of lamps will not result in glare when viewed from surrounding property or rights-of-way. Outdoor-arena and design-standard sections add shielding duties in specific zones. A homeowner whose fixtures throw direct glare onto a neighbor can be required to shield or aim them so the direct light stays on their own property.
Direct glare spilling onto adjacent property or a right-of-way can be cited under these standards or as a nuisance; the county may order shielding, redirection, or reduction of the offending light.
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