Light Nuisances - Ambient Light, Light Pollution, Glare

Contents

• Introduction
• Ordinance Provisions
• Athletic Field Lighting
• Additional References
• Related MRSC Pages
  • Street Lighting

Introduction

This page provides links to information resources on light nuisances including ambient light, light pollution and glare.  Light pollution includes misdirected light, stray light, avoidable reflected light, light during hours when it is not needed, and light levels in excess of what is necessary for the task. According to the Illuminating Engineering Society of America, light trespass complaints can usually be classified into two categories: unwanted light illuminating an area or property and excessive brightness in the normal field of vision. Problems of glare from building reflections are generally regulated through building and zoning codes. For new development, the SEPA Checklist (WAC 197-11-960) at Environmental Element (11) covers light and glare and includes questions.

Ordinance Provisions

• Model Ordinance, International Dark-Sky Association and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
• Bainbridge Island
  • Bainbridge Island Municipal Code Sec.18.15.040 - Outdoor lighting - Provide regulations that preserve and enhance the view of the dark sky; promote health, safety, security, and productivity; and help protect natural resources
  • Bainbridge Island - Lighting Handbook ()
• Bellevue Land Use Code Sec. 20.20.522 - Light and Glare
• Benton City Municipal Code Ch. 12.08 () - Outdoor Lighting
• Bothell Ordinance No. 2055 () - Exterior Lighting Code Amendments - Includes City Council Findings, Conclusions, and Action, passed 01/04/2011 
• Burlington Municipal Code Sec. 17.48.020 - Light and Glare (Performance Standards)
• Enumclaw Municipal Code Sec. 19.22.020 - Industrial and Exterior Lighting
• Goldendale Municipal Code Ch. 15.52 - Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
• Island County
  • Island County Zoning Code Sec. 17.03.180(R) () - Signage and Outdoor Lighting Standards
  • Working Together to Preserve Rural Character and the Night Sky () - Island County Planning Brochure
• Kelso Municipal Code Sec. 8.24.050 (Z) - Types of enumerated nuisances
• Kennewick Municipal Code Ch. 18.39 () - Outdoor Lighting
• Lynnwood Municipal Code Sec. 17.05.110 - Light and Glare
• Mountlake Terrace Municipal Code Sec. 19.120.030 - Artificial Light and Glare
• Oak Harbor Municipal Code Sec. 20.14.060 - Light and Glare
• Pasco Municipal Code Ch. 12.32 () - Outdoor Lighting
• Tumwater Outdoor Lighting Regulations

Athletic Field Lighting

• Design Standards for Athletic Field Lighting (), Park Standard No. 26.56.68, Seattle Parks and Recreation Park Standards, Modified 04/20/2011
• Good Light Balance: Juggling Performance vs. Pollution When It Comes to Sports Field Lighting, by Mitch Martin, Recreation Management, 02/2003
• Neighborly Night Lights: Ball Fields that Don't Spill the Beams, by Sharon Colley, American City and County, 04/01/2000
• Sports Lighting Sec. 5.02 in Outdoor Lighting Code Handbook (), International Dark-Sky Association, 2000

Additional References

• The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America - Publishes standards for lighting, including sports and recreational lighting, parking lot lighting, and roadway lighting
• International Dark-Sky Association - The IDA is concerned with adverse environmental impact on dark skies by building awareness of the problem of light pollution and of the solutions, and to educate everyone about the value and effectiveness of quality nighttime lighting.
  • Lighting Ordinances
  • Outdoor Lighting Code Handbook (), 2002
• Model Lighting Ordinance, prepared by Illumination Engineering Society and International Dark Sky Association, 2011 with Annex A revisions 01/2012
• New England Light Pollution Advisory Group - A volunteer group founded for the purpose of educating the public on the virtues of efficient, glare-free outdoor night lighting (and the benefits of no lighting at all for many outdoor applications)
• Let There Be Light, American Planning Association, Planning Magazine, 03/2004 (Available through MRSC Library Loan)

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Related MRSC Resources

MRSC Index - Exterior lighting design standards, outdoor lighting design standards, ambient light, light pollution

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