The city and community of Sisters is committed to preserving the dark skies in and around Sisters for all to enjoy. This is demonstrated through passionate community support and through its Dark Skies Outdoor Lighting Ordinance and designation as an International Dark Sky Community.
Dark Skies Ordinance
On January 10, 2024, the City Council adopted updates to its Dark Skies Outdoor Lighting ordinance that apply to all new outdoor lighting installed after February 10, 2024 (the effective date) and provides a five (5) year timeframe (until February 2029) for bringing existing, non-conforming lighting into conformance with the new ordinance. Community education and financial assistance will be the prioritized. To learn more about the the new code standards - click here.
International Dark Sky Certification
On January 22, 2025, DarkSky International announced that Sisters, Oregon was designated an International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International after Sisters made an application for designation. Sisters is the 2nd community in Oregon to be designated and the seventh overall International Dark Sky Place in Oregon. Sisters is featured on the DarkSky website with a description of the area. The program is recognized worldwide for protecting dark sites and communities through responsible lighting policies and public education.
Rebate Program
The City Council supports providing financial support for retrofitting non-conforming lighting and will launch a rebate program for residential property owners early in 2026 to change existing, non-compliant lighting with Dark Skies Lighting Ordinance compliant lighting. More details about the rebate program to come.
Community Education
City staff and community members have made presentations on the importance of the dark skies. In early 2026, a presentation entitled Why Dark Skies Matter featuing Rima Givot, Sisters High School Math Teacher, and Scott Woodford, from the City of Sisters, was presented at the Belfy on behalf of the Sisters Science Club.
Media Coverage
- Sisters Nugget
- Bend Bulletin
- Central Oregon Daily
- Oregonian
- Oregon Public Radio
- Forbes
- Science Magazine
Questions
Please contact the Community Development Director, Scott Woodford, at 541-323-5211 or email: swoodford [at] ci.sisters.or.us (swoodford[at]ci[dot]sisters[dot]or[dot]us)
Want to make sure your exterior lighting meets the new code standards - learn more here!