Spokane treats light trespass as a civil nuisance under SMC 10.08. Measurable light spill exceeding 0.5 foot-candles at the receiving property line is generally actionable. Shielded fixtures and appropriate angles are the primary remedy.
Spokane Municipal Code 10.08 (nuisance abatement) and 17C.110 (lighting standards) together address light trespass. A receiving residential property should not experience more than approximately 0.5 foot-candles of stray illumination at the property line from adjacent commercial or multi-family sources. Residential-to-residential trespass is addressed via the general nuisance framework. Remedies include adding shields, redirecting fixtures downward, installing motion sensors, using lower-wattage bulbs, and converting to warm-color LED (2700-3000K). Code Enforcement typically seeks voluntary correction before issuing notices. Chronic-nuisance designations add penalties.
Continued trespass after notice: $100-$500 civil penalty. Chronic nuisance: escalated fines and abatement order.
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