Create a Thriving Business District

HOLIDAY LIGHTING

Lighting street trees or stringing lights along buildings is one way for business districts to market their area to holiday shoppers. In Seattle’s dark winter months, outdoor lights are an attractive way to brighten up shopping districts.

Before getting started, answer the following questions:

• Are there any overhead wires or power lines? If so, are they trolley wires, telephone, cable, TV or power lines? Know your wires as well as clearance requirements and remember to be extremely careful around all wires and power lines.
• Is there an accessible power supply near the area where lights will be strung? How will you connect the power source to the lights? If you plan to use power from City Light’s poles, you must verify existence of festoon outlets on the poles (call City Light at the numbers below). If the poles do not have these outlets, arrange to have them installed well in advance. Call Seattle City Light for current installation fees. If the lights are north of Denny Way call 206-615-0600, if they are south of Denny Way call 206-386-4200.
• Will the light strings or power cords interfere with pedestrians?
• Does your organization have financial or volunteer resources to spend on the initial purchase, installation and fees to City Light?
• Have you obtained a street use permit and paid Seattle Department of Transportation ’s required deposit for the installation of the lights? (Call Seattle Department of Transportation at 206-684-5284.)
  

Frequently asked questions:

What does City Light charge for outdoor lighting?

City Light will work out a flat “seasonal” charge depending on how much power you will use.

Are there any requirements or permits needed for holiday lighting?

The Seattle Department of Transportation requires a $165 street use permit and a $450 deposit for the installation of lights on street trees, also certificate of insurance must be provided. The deposit may be returned in full provided there is no damage to the street trees and all lights and related paraphernalia are removed by February 1. The City Arborist also has a list of requirements if the lights are on street trees, please see website at http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/arborist.htm. The City allows lighting to be affixed to trees only between November 1 and January 30. All lighting and attachments must be removed from trees by February 1.

How do we install the lighting?

Installation will probably be the biggest budget item.

• Contact City Light to ensure that any repairs scheduled for your area will be completed before the installation dates, especially if you are using City Light poles with festoon outlets.
• Consult the City Arborist before installation of lighting strands and attachments to prevent costly damage to trees. The City does not allow the use of wire, duct tape or masking tape to affix lighting to street trees. Plastic connectors, florist tape or other flexible tapes are permissible fixatives.
• Try to get a cherry picker donated for installation and take down if possible. This will increase safety and save lots of (expensive) time.
• Hire professional lighting designers for actual installation.
• Maintain safe working practices around any overhead wires. Check all power sources.

Benefits and challenges of holiday lighting :

• Enhances the shopping experience in your district - shoppers love to see outdoor lighting during the holidays.
• Provides a distinctive element for your district.

• No control over timing of lights if power is drawn from street poles - the lights will be on when the power in the poles is turned on.