Multnomah County, OR Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MCC § 39.6850(C)
- Shielding requirement
- Fully shielded, aimed downward
- Trigger
- Development permit or 400+ sq ft addition
- Fine range
- $45-$3,500 per day
Summary
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.
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.
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County Code section 39.6850(C) sets Dark Sky Lighting Standards for new exterior lighting supporting a new, modified, altered, expanded, or replaced use approved through a development permit, and for existing lighting on a property undergoing a building enlargement over 400 square feet. Subsection (C)(1) requires the light source to be fully shielded with opaque, permanently attached materials and directed downward, emitting nothing above the horizontal plane at the fixture's lowest shielding point. Subsection (C)(2) requires the light to stay within the lot's boundaries. Several exemptions exist, including pre-October 2016 fixtures, low-lumen pedestrian path lighting, and short-duration seasonal or agricultural lighting. This applies only in unincorporated county areas, not Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, or Wood Village.
Violations & Fines
Zoning code compliance staff issue a Notice of Violation and can require abatement or a voluntary compliance agreement. Civil fines run $45 to $3,500 per day of noncompliance under MCC 39.1560.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to my house in Portland?
Do all existing security lights need shielding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon outdoor lighting overview
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