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Deschutes County adopts updated outdoor lighting standards ("dark skies")
Summary
The Board adopted Ordinance 2025-018 updating outdoor lighting control standards, extending allowed seasonal holiday lighting dates and setting a multi-year compliance timeline for certain fixtures.
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners adopted ordinance number 2025‑018 at second reading on Sept. 24, amending county code Title 15 to update outdoor lighting control standards commonly described as a "dark skies" ordinance. Planning staff said the text amendments clarify fixture standards, add updated enforcement language and expand the allowed seasonal holiday lighting window to include the Thanksgiving period as requested during deliberations.
Will Groves, planning manager, briefed commissioners. He said the changes modernize the county’s outdoor lighting controls, align with dark‑sky best practices and include a phased compliance timeline for fixtures that will require replacement or shielding. The ordinance passed on a voice vote following a motion and second; commissioners said staff had worked through prior public hearing comments and recommended the updated language.
Why it matters: Planning staff said improved lighting standards reduce light pollution and protect nighttime ecosystems and observatory viewing while providing a reasonable compliance schedule for property owners. The ordinance includes code enforcement options for non‑compliant fixtures after the phased compliance period.
Ending: The board directed staff to notify affected permit applicants and begin the phased compliance outreach program.
