Outdoor Lighting Standards

As our city grows, so does our use of electricity and outdoor light fixtures. Because of this, the City of Tumwater enacted a series of outdoor lighting standards, which help prevent the unfavorable result of light pollution. Defined as any adverse effect of artificial light, whether from glare, decreased visibility at night, light trespass, or sky glow, light pollution occurs when there’s just too much unnecessary light. Not only does light pollution waste energy resources, it can be dangerous for your health and our community. 

Follow these steps to reduce light pollution 

• Use light only where you need it
• Use fully-shielded fixtures to direct the light only where you want it (required by City of Tumwater)
• Use the minimum wattage possible
• Use a motion sensor if at all possible 

References

Read the Outdoor Lighting Standards  handout to see examples of acceptable and unacceptable light fixtures. 

For a more detailed description, read the staff report or browse to the Tumwater Municipal Code TMC 18.40.035.