Clackamas County, OR Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

The county does not set a numeric spillover (foot-candle) limit for homes, but its lighting standards are designed to prevent light trespass onto neighbors. ZDO Subsection 1005.04(A) requires outdoor lighting to shield and direct light downward so that it is 'directed within the boundaries of the subject property.' Separately, ZDO 1010.02(I) requires that internally illuminated signs, or external lights used to illuminate signs, be placed, shielded or deflected so they do not shine into dwellings or impair a driver's vision. Chronic light spilling onto a neighbor can also be pursued as a nuisance. Because most lighting standards attach to new development, existing residential glare disputes are usually resolved neighbor-to-neighbor or through the nuisance code.