Street lighting is intended to create an environment at nighttime in which people can see comfortably and can quickly and accurately identify objects on traveled roadways.  Street lighting can improve, safeguard, facilitate, and encourage vehicular and pedestrian traffic.  SDOT is responsible for ensuring that recommended light levels are achieved and reviews street and pedestrian lighting requests.

Standard Specifications, Section 8-30 Illumination and Electrical Systems
Standard Specifications, Section 9-31 Illumination and Electrical Materials
Standard Plans, Section 500 Signalization/Lighting

Conformance with Local, State and National Standards: The design of all electrical and lighting systems shall be in conformance with the Seattle Municipal Code and National Electrical Code, the National Electrical Safety Code, Washington State Electrical Code WAC Chapter 296-45.

New or relocated street lighting—non-arterial streets: Street lighting for non-arterial streets should be designed using the most recent edition of the recommended IES guidelines, unless otherwise approved by Seattle City Light.

Arterial Street lighting: SDOT has established design guidelines for arterial street lighting. Existing street light systems may be required to meet the design criteria and new street light systems shall be designed to them.  During the review process additional information on type and style of luminaires will be provided. To maintain reliability and maintenance only fixtures approved by SCL will be acceptable.

Pedestrian lighting: Pedestrian lighting illuminates the pedestrian walkway and is typically mounted 12 -14 feet above the sidewalk. This lighting should be considered when calculating the maintained foot candles and uniformity of roadway lighting.
Pedestrian ways not adjacent to the roadway may require lighting as determined by the Traffic Engineer. For additional information about lighting on non-arterial streets, contact Seattle City Light.

Refer to Figure 4-21 Pedestrian Lighting Sections.

Good outdoor lighting can create and encourage a pedestrian friendly environment, which is especially beneficial to neighborhood business districts. Pedestrian lighting improves walkway illumination for pedestrian traffic and enhances community safety and business exposure. Lighting for pedestrians is especially important along Main Streets, Mixed Use Streets and Local Connectors, and in other locations where the land use supports large volumes of pedestrians and vehicles.