Oregon Outdoor Lighting Rules / Policies

Oregon has a State law on outdoor lighting that applies to Public Buildings:
Oregon State law (ORS 455.573)

There is no State-wide law for residential or commercial buildings. Ordinances on outdoor lighting of residential and commercial buildings in Oregon are on a local city and county basis.

Here is a list of current ordinances throughout the state. If your community isn't listed and you find that information, please let us know through our contact page.

Guide for how to approach your neighbors

Clackamas County

Canby
Sandy Go to Chapter 15.30 DARK SKY ORDINANCE

Clatsop County

Curry County

Port Orford

Deschutes County

Deschutes County
- Deschutes Co online complaint form for lighting infractions
- Deschutes Co recreation/grow/greenhouse lighting (2016)
Bend
- Bend Code Enforcement Complaint Form
- Example approach for talking to your neighbors
Sisters (2023)
- (1997)
- Online complaint form for lighting infractions

Lane County

Eugene (2001)

Jackson County

Ashland
Medford - Go to Article 10.764 "Glare"

Marion County

Salem - Go to Section 800.060 - Exterior Lighting

Local Code Creation

If you are not happy with the current lighting codes or ordinances; here's a great guide in developing a code for your community. The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition has excellent recommendations HERE. Keep in mind, each municipality is unique and should consider what codes are appropriate. Look at what other communities have done, and find out how those ordinances have played out in that community. You will want an ordinance that will truly reduce light pollution.

Here are some very useful documents that can help in the creation and/or updating in the lighting codes and ordinances: