Portland's Title 33 (Planning and Zoning) development standards address light trespass by requiring that outdoor lighting be designed to minimize spillover onto adjacent properties. Property owners may also address light trespass through nuisance complaint processes.
New development must design exterior lighting to prevent direct illumination of adjacent properties. Shielded and downward-directed fixtures are required in development standards. Existing properties that create light trespass may be subject to nuisance complaints. Portland's noise and nuisance code provisions can apply to persistent light nuisances. Neighbors experiencing light trespass should first attempt to resolve the issue directly before filing complaints.
Light trespass from new development that does not meet Title 33 standards can delay project approval. Existing properties may face nuisance enforcement through Neighborhood Inspections if light trespass complaints are substantiated.
Portland, OR
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Portland, OR
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See how Portland's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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