Tri-Cities zoning codes prohibit outdoor lighting from spilling past property lines. Kennewick defines light trespass as light shining beyond the property boundary and requires fixtures aimed so the lamp's line of sight stays on the owner's lot.
In the Benton County Tri-Cities, light trespass is controlled through municipal zoning rather than a county rule. Kennewick's outdoor light chapter (KMC 18.39) defines light trespass as light produced by a luminaire shining beyond the boundaries of the property where it sits, and requires fixtures to be shielded so the lamp's direct line of sight stays on the owner's own property. Richland's standards (RMC 23.58) work the same way, minimizing spillover onto neighboring lots and public spaces. Floodlights aimed at a neighbor's home run against these codes. In unincorporated Benton County, a homeowner bothered by a neighbor's glare relies on nuisance law and can also pursue a civil claim.
Lighting that throws glare across a property line draws a correction notice from city planning. Unresolved commercial violations face escalating penalties. In unincorporated areas, persistent glare may support a civil nuisance claim.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Kennewick, WA
Industrial-source noise crossing into Kennewick residential neighborhoods is capped by WAC 173-60-040 at 60 dBA during the day and 50 dBA between 10:00 p.m. ...
Kennewick, WA
Motor vehicle noise on Kennewick streets is governed by the statewide motor vehicle noise performance standards in WAC Chapter 173-62, which set in-use sound...
Kennewick, WA
Tri-Cities Airport (KPSC) is operated by the Port of Pasco and sits across the Columbia River in Franklin County, not Kennewick. Aircraft noise in Kennewick ...
Kennewick, WA
Amplified music in Kennewick is regulated under the Kennewick Municipal Code's public-disturbance noise provisions, which treat amplified sound that is plain...
Kennewick, WA
Kennewick has not codified a gas leaf blower ban, a decibel cap specific to leaf blowers, or restricted hours of operation. Use is governed by the general pu...
Kennewick, WA
Persistent or habitual barking, howling, or other animal noise that disturbs the peace is regulated as a public-disturbance noise nuisance under the Kennewic...
See how Kennewick's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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