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Multnomah County, OR Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Shielding standard
Fully shielded, directed downward
Trigger
Development permit or 400+ sq ft addition
Exempt
Lighting installed before Oct 22, 2016
Applies to
Unincorporated county only, not Portland
Citation
MCC § 39.6850(C)

Summary

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.

City-specific rules exist: Portland has its own dark sky rules rules that differ from Multnomah County's county-level regulations. If you live in Portland, check the city-specific page instead.

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.

Source: PCC 33.130.215View official code

Full Breakdown

Multnomah County's zoning code requires exterior lighting supporting a new, modified, or expanded use approved through a development permit, and existing lighting on a property enlarging a building by more than 400 square feet, to be fully shielded, with the light source hidden by opaque material and directed downward so no light escapes above the fixture's horizontal plane. Shielding must be permanently attached and keep light within the lot boundary. Lighting installed before October 22, 2016, short-duration displays, farm and forest practice lighting, and safety lighting under set lumen caps are exempt. This applies only in unincorporated county land, Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village set their own lighting rules.

Violations & Fines

Non-compliant lighting blocks development permit approval; Multnomah County Code Enforcement can order shielding retrofits or fixture removal on permit-triggered properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this rule apply inside Portland?
No. It only governs unincorporated Multnomah County under the zoning code; Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village regulate lighting under their own municipal codes.
What triggers the shielding requirement?
A development permit for a new, modified, or expanded use, or a building enlargement over 400 square feet of ground coverage, triggers full shielding under MCC § 39.6850(C).
Is my existing house light exempt?
Yes, if it was lawfully installed before October 22, 2016 and the property hasn't since had a permitted building enlargement over 400 square feet.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Multnomah County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursFew RestrictionsLight Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsBillboard LightingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsWater Use Rules: Recycled Water RulesSome Restrictions

All Multnomah County rules

Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon outdoor lighting overview

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Dark Sky Rules in Cities Across Multnomah County

Portland, ORGresham, OR