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Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor Lighting in Salem, OR: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Salem or are thinking about moving there, outdoor lighting are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Salem has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Dark Sky Rules

Salem's Unified Development Code Section 800.060 requires exterior lighting for new development to be shielded and directed downward to minimize light trespass and sky glow, consistent with Oregon's statewide shielded-fixture standards.

Key details: Code section: SRC UDC 800.060. Fixture requirement: Shielded, downward-directed. State baseline: ORS 455.573 (shielded fixtures). Dark-sky overlay: None designated. Applies to: New development, site plan review.

Non-compliant lighting installations identified during plan review or post-occupancy inspections must be corrected; continued violations may result in code enforcement action and civil penalties under SRC general enforcement provisions.

Light Trespass

Salem UDC Section 800.060 requires that exterior lighting on development sites be fully shielded, directed downward, and designed to prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties and the night sky.

Key details: Standard: UDC Section 800.060. Fixture type required: Full-cutoff / fully shielded. Direction: Downward only; no skyward spill. State overlay: ORS 455.573 shielding requirement. Enforced by: Salem Planning / Code Enforcement.

Noncompliance with UDC Section 800.060 is a civil infraction enforceable by the city. Property owners may be required to modify or shield fixtures; continued violations can result in daily fines.

The Bottom Line

Salem's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Salem is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Salem's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.