Spokane County, WA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SCC 14.826.100
- Protected target
- Adjacent residences
- Standard
- No direct illumination on neighbor
- Commercial/parking
- Down-shielded, no off-site glare
- Backup remedy
- Nuisance enforcement
Summary
Under Spokane County Zoning Code 14.826.100, outdoor lights must be shielded so they do not shine directly onto a neighbor's home. Parking-lot fixtures must also be down-shielded to prevent glare spilling onto adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
All light sources shall be constructed, down shielded and used as not to illuminate directly or create glare visible from adjacent properties or public rights of way.
Full Breakdown
Spokane County's light-trespass protection is SCC 14.826.100: any lights illuminating an outdoor area of a lot must be positioned, placed, constructed, shielded, or used so as not to illuminate directly any building or structure on an adjacent lot used as a residence. This directly targets light spilling from one property onto a neighboring home. For commercial and parking areas, SCC 14.802.100 requires light sources to be down-shielded so they do not illuminate directly or create glare visible from adjacent properties or public rights-of-way. Numerous conditional-use standards in Title 14 also require lighting to be directed downward and shielded to protect neighboring residences. Persistent glare onto a neighbor may also be addressed as a nuisance.
Violations & Fines
Light that shines directly onto an adjacent residence violates SCC 14.826.100 and can be ordered corrected by Spokane County Building and Planning; unresolved glare may be pursued as a nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor's light shines into my house: is that allowed?
Who enforces light-trespass complaints in the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane County
Compare Spokane County to another location·View the Washington outdoor lighting overview
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