Clackamas County, OR Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- ZDO 1005.04
- Skyward light
- Prohibited
- Pole height cap
- 25 feet
- Entrance lighting
- 12 ft, glare-free
- Exemptions
- Holiday, street, sports lights
Summary
Clackamas County has no formal 'dark-sky' overlay, but ZDO Subsection 1005.04 requires outdoor lighting not to direct light skyward: fixtures must shield and direct light downward, pole-mounted lights cannot exceed 25 feet, and entrance lighting is capped at 12 feet. Holiday lights and street lights are exempt.
Outdoor lighting devices shall not direct light skyward; shall direct downward and shield light, or direct light specifically toward walls, landscape elements, or other similar features, so that light is directed within the boundaries of the subject property.
Full Breakdown
The county is not a certified dark-sky community and has no numeric sky-glow standard, but its site-design rules act like one for new development. ZDO Subsection 1005.04(A) requires outdoor lighting devices to shield and direct light downward, or aim it at walls or landscape features, so light stays within the subject property and does not shine skyward. Pole-mounted fixtures may not exceed 25 feet or the height of the tallest onsite structure, whichever is less, and entrance lighting must be glare-free, directed downward, and no higher than 12 feet. Temporary holiday lighting, street lights and outdoor-recreation field lighting are exempt under Subsection 1005.04(B). DarkSky Oregon also promotes voluntary shielding statewide.
Violations & Fines
Lighting that violates the site-design standards can be flagged during land-use or building review; existing residential fixtures are largely addressed through the light-trespass and nuisance framework rather than fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clackamas County a dark-sky community?
How tall can outdoor pole lights be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clackamas County
Compare Clackamas County to another location·View the Oregon outdoor lighting overview
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