Yakima, WA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- YMC § 15.06.100
- Shielding required
- Down-shielding near residential districts
- Extra requirement
- Photometric plan may be required
- Applies to
- Off-street parking and loading lots
Summary
Yakima requires parking lot lighting near homes to use down-shielding so no glare or light pollution spills onto residential properties.
Lighting shall be provided to illuminate any off-street parking or loading space used at night. When provided, lighting shall be directed to reflect away from adjacent and abutting properties. Parking lots adjacent to residential districts or uses shall be designed with down-shielding and luminaries creating no lighting pollution upon those properties. A photometric lighting plan may be required if the parking lot is located adjacent to or abutting residential properties. Further requirements and restrictions are required when the property is located within the airport safety overlay. (See YMC Chapter 15.30.) (Ord. 2947 § 1 (part), 1986; Ord. 2008-46 § 1 (part), 2008; Ord. 2016-029 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2016; Ord. 2017-017 § 2 (Exh. B) (part), 2017)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Yakima Municipal Code § 15.06.100, any lighting installed to illuminate an off-street parking or loading area used at night must be directed away from adjacent and abutting properties. Lots next to residential districts or residential uses must use down-shielded fixtures and luminaires that create no lighting pollution on those properties, and the administrative official can require a photometric lighting plan for lots next to residential land. This is a city zoning standard applied within Yakima and the jointly-administered Yakima urban growth area, not a separate residential-yard fixture ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant fixtures identified during site plan review or a complaint-driven inspection must be corrected; the administrative official can condition or withhold occupancy approval and can require a photometric lighting plan before further use of the lot is approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every parking lot in Yakima need down-shielded lights?
Can the city demand more than shielding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
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