Seattle addresses light trespass through land use code development standards and general nuisance provisions, requiring outdoor lighting to be directed downward and shielded to prevent spillover onto adjacent properties.
The land use code requires exterior lighting on commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use developments to be designed to prevent light from spilling onto adjacent residential properties. Development standards mandate downward-directed, shielded fixtures for parking areas, building exteriors, and site lighting. Projects subject to design review undergo evaluation of lighting plans to ensure neighborhood compatibility. For residential neighbor-to-neighbor disputes, the general nuisance provisions of SMC 10.09 provide a mechanism for addressing unreasonable light trespass. SDCI responds to complaints about lighting on commercial and multifamily properties, while civil remedies are available for residential disputes that do not rise to the level of a code violation.
Non-compliant commercial or multifamily lighting may result in notices of violation and required modifications. Nuisance lighting may be subject to abatement orders under SMC 10.09. Civil remedies are available for ongoing light trespass situations between residential neighbors.
Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle light trespass.
See how Seattle's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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