Salem's code states exterior lighting shall not shine or reflect onto adjacent properties or cast glare onto the right-of-way. Where no local standard applies, a neighbor's severe light spillover may be addressed as a private nuisance.
Light trespass, unwanted light crossing from a neighbor's fixture onto your property, is addressed in Salem through Salem Revised Code 800.060, which provides that exterior lighting shall not shine or reflect onto adjacent properties or cast glare onto the public right-of-way, with fixtures shielded or limited to five foot-candles at the lot boundary. That standard mainly governs new or regulated development, so it is not a universal remedy for every existing residential light. In the unincorporated county, and where no local lighting standard applies, a homeowner's remedy for severe, persistent light intrusion is typically a private-nuisance claim under Oregon common law, which asks whether the lighting substantially and unreasonably interferes with the use of your property. Start by talking to
On a regulated development, Salem enforces SRC 800.060 through notices to reshield or redirect lighting. Absent a local standard, the remedy for intrusive lighting is a private-nuisance action pursued through the courts.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Marion County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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