Lighting Regulations in Depoe Bay, Oregon: Preserving Coastal Charm Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled along Oregon's picturesque coastline, Depoe Bay has earned its reputation as the "whale watching capital of Oregon" and a jewel of natural beauty. With its stunning ocean views, charming harbor (the world's smallest navigable harbor), and rich maritime heritage dating back to the 1920s, this coastal community balances tourism appeal with small-town character.

The city's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving the unique coastal atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors. These thoughtful illumination standards help maintain Depoe Bay's natural beauty, protect night skies, and enhance the overall experience of this special place.

Let's explore how Depoe Bay approaches exterior lighting to preserve its coastal charm.

Quick Reference Guide to Depoe Bay Lighting Regulations

Key Requirements:

• Commercial & Industrial Zones: Exterior lighting must not face or shine onto residential zones, streets, or highways
• General Requirement: Lights must be shielded and directed downward
• Height Restriction: External lighting limited to ground lights less than 12 feet tall
• Type Restriction: Outside lighting restricted to low voltage lighting and/or motion sensor lighting for security
• Parking Areas: Artificial lighting must be low intensity, downward-pointing, and shielded
• Private Property: Strobe or rotating lights are prohibited

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Standards

Preventing Light Trespass

Depoe Bay maintains strict standards to prevent unwanted light from spilling onto neighboring properties. Section 152.060 specifically addresses exterior lighting in commercial and industrial zones:

Commercial & Industrial Requirements:

• Exterior lighting must be positioned so it does not face or shine directly onto:
• Residential zones
• Streets
• Highways

Downward Direction and Shielding

The regulations emphasize that lights from any development must be:

• Shielded to contain light within the intended area
• Directed downward to prevent light pollution and glare
• Contained so they don't illuminate or cause glare outside their local area

Height and Type Restrictions

Depoe Bay places specific limitations on lighting fixtures:

• External lighting on structures, streets, and signage is restricted to low wattage ground lights
• These lights must be less than 12 feet tall
• Outside lighting is restricted to low voltage lighting and/or motion sensor lighting for security purposes

Residential Lighting Considerations

While the regulations are less specific for residential properties, the overall principles of preventing light trespass apply throughout the city.

General Guidelines

• Any lighting provided shall not shine or glare onto adjoining properties or streets
• Lights of "low stature with shielding" are suggested
• Motion sensor lighting for security is appropriate
• Low voltage lighting options are preferred

Documentation Requirements

For new developments or modifications, applicants may need to demonstrate compliance through a lighting plan that shows how light will be contained within their property.

Parking Area Illumination

Depoe Bay has specific provisions for parking area lighting:

• Artificial lighting in parking areas must be:
• Low intensity
• Pointed generally downward
• Shielded when necessary to prevent off-site light or glare

These requirements maintain safety while preventing the harsh glare often associated with parking lot lighting.

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting

Depoe Bay allows for illuminated signage with important restrictions:

• Signs may be illuminated internally or externally (including neon)
• External light must be directed away from residential zones
• Illumination must not distract motorists
• Sign brightness must not impair driver vision or interfere with traffic signs/signals
• Strobe or rotating lights are prohibited on private property

Digital Sign Requirements

The city has established specific standards for digital signs:

• Digital signs cannot be illuminated by flashing lights
• Digital signs cannot use lights that vary in intensity
• Digital signs must include light sensors to automatically adjust intensity based on ambient light
• Message changes cannot occur more frequently than once every 15 seconds
• The message transition process must complete in 2 seconds or less

Special Use Considerations

Golf Courses with Driving Ranges

Golf courses with driving ranges face specific lighting restrictions:

• Hours of operation must be limited so outdoor lighting is not required
• Ranges must be located so lights do not shine outside the perimeter of the golf course

Construction Zones

Temporary lighting requirements apply to construction sites with excavations or obstructions:

• Lighted red lanterns, lights, or flares must be displayed from dusk until daylight
• Proper barricades must be maintained for public safety
• In cases requiring constant supervision, a night watchperson may be required to ensure warning lights are functioning

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning and Permitting Context

The Planning Commission can determine "the appropriate location, direction, and intensity of lighting" as a condition of approval for certain projects. Lighting considerations may be part of:

• Conditional use permits
• Evaluations of non-conforming uses
• Development reviews

Practical Implementation

When planning exterior lighting for your Depoe Bay property:

1. Focus on containment - ensure light stays on your property
2. Choose appropriate fixtures - low voltage, downward-directed, and shielded options
3. Consider height - keep fixtures under 12 feet tall
4. Minimize intensity - use only the brightness needed for your purpose
5. Document compliance - be prepared to demonstrate how your lighting meets regulations

Supporting Depoe Bay's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Depoe Bay's commitment to preserving its unique coastal character while balancing the practical lighting needs of a vibrant community. Our roots as a Northeast Ohio manufacturer since 1918 have given us deep insight into how lighting shapes community character.

We share Depoe Bay's values of:

• Preserving natural beauty through thoughtful illumination
• Balancing safety and functionality with aesthetic considerations
• Respecting community character in lighting design

Our experience with coastal communities has taught us the importance of lighting solutions that complement rather than compete with the special atmosphere of these unique places. We're committed to serving as a resource for communities like Depoe Bay, helping property owners understand and implement lighting that respects local regulations while meeting their practical needs.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Depoe Bay's vision for maintaining its small-town charm and protecting its precious coastal environment.

Conclusion

Depoe Bay's lighting regulations clearly reflect the community's commitment to preserving its coastal character and natural beauty. By emphasizing downward-directed, shielded, and low-intensity lighting, these standards protect the night sky, prevent light trespass, and maintain the special atmosphere that makes Depoe Bay a beloved destination.

Property owners who understand and embrace these regulations contribute to the collective effort to preserve what makes this coastal gem special. Through thoughtful illumination choices, Depoe Bay will continue to shine as one of Oregon's most charming coastal communities.