Guides

Dealing with light trespass in Bend

Light trespass is unwanted light spilling onto a neighboring property through a bedroom window, across a yard, or into the sky itself. Here's what you can do about it.

The rules

Bend's lighting code, briefly

Light trespass in Bend falls under the city's Outdoor Lighting Standards (BDC 3.5.200) which is a code published in 2004 and pre-dates LED bulbs. It's still what residents must use today, though.

Key requirements: non-exempt outdoor fixtures must be full cut-off or shielded so light points down, not across a property line. Businesses are encouraged to turn off non-essential exterior lighting after hours. Fixtures installed before 2004, low-wattage residential accents, and holiday lights are exempt.

Before you file anything

Talk to your neighbor first

Most people don't realize their light is reaching your property. A short, friendly conversation solves this more often than a formal complaint does. Invite them over and put them in your shoes.

Pick a good moment — Catch them doing yard work, not hosting guests.
Direct toward you, not them — Focus on how the glare affects your sleep, not on blaming them.
Bring a fix, not only a complaint — Suggest a shield, a dimmer, or a motion sensor. You can even offer to split the costs.

If it doesn't resolve

How to file a formal complaint

Step 1

Document it

Take photos from your property showing the light spill, and note the exact location of the fixture causing it.

Step 2

File with City of Bend

Submit through the City of Bend's Report An Issue portal, citing the outdoor lighting ordinance directly via code enforcement. Outside city limits, Deschutes County's own, newly updated, dark sky ordinance applies.

Step 3

Contact Us

If you're confused where to start, email contact@bendnightsky.org and we can explore the options.