Lighting Regulations in Tillamook, Oregon: Balancing History and Functionality in a Coastal Community

Quick Reference Guide

• Street lighting: All streets must have approved lighting installed at city-approved locations
• Exterior lighting: Must use full cutoff fixtures with preference for low-impact lighting
• Residential street lighting: Limited to 70-watt high-pressure sodium lights
• Light trespass: All exterior lighting must minimize impact on neighboring properties
• Sign illumination: Varies by location and type; many restrictions apply
• Prohibited lighting: Non-full cutoff fixtures, mercury vapor, quartz lights, and hazardous lighting

Introduction: Tillamook's Lighting Philosophy

Tillamook, Oregon, with its rich history dating back to 1851, carefully balances preserving its historical character while meeting modern lighting needs. The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to maintaining the unique charm that has defined this coastal community since Joseph Champion first settled in the area.

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Range, Tillamook's natural landscape has influenced its development patterns and preservation efforts. The city's lighting regulations aim to protect both its historical districts and the scenic environment that makes Tillamook special.

The following overview explains Tillamook's lighting regulations to help property owners, businesses, and developers understand their responsibilities while contributing to the community's vision.

Street Lighting Requirements

Required Installations

Street lighting is mandatory for various developments in Tillamook, including:

• Multi-family dwellings
• Commercial buildings and expansions
• Industrial buildings and expansions
• Partitions, subdivisions, and manufactured home parks

Technical Specifications

The city has specific requirements for street lighting:

• Approved types: High-pressure sodium, low-pressure sodium, or metal halide (unless otherwise approved)
• Residential streets: Limited to 70-watt high-pressure sodium lights
• Design standards: Must follow the city's most current design standards
• Installation: Must be at locations approved by the city

Planning and Construction Process

Street lighting plans must:

• Be included in construction plans submitted to the City Engineer
• Be certified by a licensed civil engineer
• Receive approval before construction begins
• Be documented in "as built" drawings upon completion

Exterior Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Tillamook requires that all exterior lighting:

• Use full cutoff fixtures (strongly encouraged to be 85-degree full cutoff type)
• Be compatible with neighborhood character
• Follow Illuminating Engineering Society recommended practices
• Minimize light trespass impacts on surrounding properties

Fixture Requirements

The city has specific technical requirements:

• Canopy lights: Must be recessed to prevent light source visibility or glare
• Up lighting shields: Required except in the Town Center area
• Preference: Low-impact lighting is preferred

Prohibited Exterior Lighting

The following lighting types are not permitted:

• Newly installed non-full cutoff fixtures
• Outdoor mercury vapor and quartz lights
• Lighting that creates hazards for motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians
• Laser source lights or similar high-intensity lights for outdoor advertising

Sign Illumination Regulations

Location-Based Requirements

Sign illumination permissions vary by location:

• Signs adjacent to arterial roadways: May be internally illuminated outright
• Signs adjacent to local/collector roadways: May be internally illuminated with a conditional use permit
• All other locations: May only use external illumination

Special Sign Types

Different signs have specific illumination requirements:

• Residential name plates: External illumination only
• Home occupation signs: External illumination only
• Permanent off-premises signs: Cannot be internally illuminated
• Informational signs: May be illuminated

Prohibited Sign Lighting

The following are not permitted:

• Neon signs or flashing light signs in certain contexts
• Colored lights that could be confused with traffic signals or emergency lights
• Signs with illumination shaped like arrows or other traffic control devices
• Blinking, flashing or fluttering lights (except time and temperature signs)

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Mobile Food and Beverage Carts

Mobile food carts must have:

• Lighting that ensures a safe environment for customers
• Illumination in customer service and seating areas during darkness
• No direct light source visible at property lines adjacent to residential areas
• Fixtures oriented to prevent glare on abutting properties

Automobile Service Stations

All lighting at service stations must have:

• Illumination, direction, and color that doesn't create a nuisance on adjoining property
• Designs that avoid creating traffic hazards

Parks and Pathways

The city requires:

• Lighting to be installed along trailer park access ways and recreation areas (lights 100 feet apart)
• Pedestrian walkways to be safely lighted and suitable for handicapped use
• Bicycle parking to be at least as well lit as vehicle parking

Nuisance Prevention and Light Trespass

Commercial and Industrial Districts

All uses in various districts (H-C, C-C, L-I, P & S-P) must:

• Not create lighting to a degree that is "obnoxious or offensive" to persons in this or other districts
• Prevent light trespass that is "readily detectable" beyond the property line

Perimeter Planning

Development projects must include:

• Plans to protect adjacent properties from light glare
• Appropriate screening, setbacks, or other means to mitigate lighting impacts
• Compatibility with surrounding areas through proper lighting design

Airport Area Considerations

In areas near airports, lighting must not:

• Make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between landing lights and vehicle lights
• Impair visibility in the vicinity of landing approaches
• Create glare that affects aviation safety

Supporting Tillamook's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting recognizes the importance of balancing functional lighting needs with Tillamook's commitment to preserving its historical character and natural beauty. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the challenges communities face when integrating modern lighting technology with established community character.

We appreciate Tillamook's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that protect both its historical districts and scenic environment. Our expertise aligns with the city's values, particularly in areas of low-impact lighting solutions that minimize light trespass and preserve neighborhood character.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations and can help property owners understand how to meet technical requirements while respecting Tillamook's unique coastal and historical context.

Conclusion

Tillamook's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. By carefully controlling lighting types, placement, and intensity, the city preserves its unique identity as a coastal Oregon community with deep historical roots.

Property owners and developers should consult with the city planning department early in their projects to ensure compliance with these lighting standards. By working together, residents and businesses can contribute to Tillamook's vision of balanced development that respects both its past and future.