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

Under PTMC 17.44.180, all exterior lighting on commercial and mixed-use properties, including sign lighting, must be pointed downward and shielded from view from the air, neighboring properties, and public rights-of-way, using full-cutoff fixtures. Non-cutoff fixtures are allowed only if the Planning and Community Development director finds no significant light pollution or trespass and each fixture stays at or under 1,500 initial lumens. Light poles are capped at 17 feet, security lighting needs motion sensors or timers, and non-safety exterior lighting is restricted to nighttime business hours. An exterior lighting plan must be submitted with the design review application.