Outdoor Lighting in Multnomah County, OR (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Multnomah County, Oregon.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Multnomah County requires new and permit-triggered exterior lighting in unincorporated areas to be fully shielded and directed downward, containing light within the lot line, under the zoning code's dark sky standards.
Multnomah County Dark Sky Lighting Shielding
Some RestrictionsMultnomah County Code § 39.6850(C)(1)
The light source (bulbs, lamps, etc.) must be fully shielded with opaque materials and directed downwards. "Fully shielded" means no light is emitted above the horizontal plane located at the lowest point of the fixture's shielding. Shielding must be permanently attached.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Unincorporated Multnomah County requires new exterior lighting tied to a development permit to be fully shielded and aimed downward under the Dark Sky Lighting Standards. Portland has its own separate code and is not covered.
Multnomah County Light Shielding Rule
Some RestrictionsMultnomah County Code § 39.6850(C)(1)
The light source (bulbs, lamps, etc.) must be fully shielded with opaque materials and directed downwards. "Fully shielded" means no light is emitted above the horizontal plane located at the lowest point of the fixture's shielding. Shielding must be permanently attached.
Billboard Lighting
Multnomah County Code § 39.6770(E)(11) requires every light fixture on a billboard in the unincorporated county to be aimed downward onto the billboard face, never toward a street or an adjacent residential unit. The standard sits inside the same Chapter 39 development standards that cap billboard size, height, and moving-light features. Code Compliance Services enforces it as a zoning violation.
Multnomah County Billboard Lighting Must Point Down
Some RestrictionsMultnomah County Code § 39.6770(E)(11)
(11) Billboard lights shall be placed so the light is directed downward onto the billboard face and not directed toward a street or adjacent residential unit.
Outdoor Lighting by City in Multnomah County
2 cities in Multnomah County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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