Lighting Upgrades That Pay You Back
On January 15, 2026, the City launched a rebate program for residential property owners to help with the cost of replacing non Dark Skies lighting with lighting that complies with the city's Dark Skies standards to help us retain and improve our beautiful star filled skies.
Program Overview:
- Apply to the city with completed application with specifications on replacement lights and photos of existing lights to be removed and get city approval BEFORE you purchase and install the lights. Once approved by the city, purchase and install the lights, then bring photo proof of installation and the receipts for the lights to the city and get approved for a rebate check (more details below).
- Rebate will fund up to $50/lighting fixture with a maximum of $200/property and owner (same person/entity can only apply for one owned property).
- Sisters residents/property owners may apply. If you're unsure of whether your property is in the Sisters municipal boundary, see this map.
- Rebate only applies to single family, duplex, and triplex dwelling units.
- Rebate may only be used to replace outdoor lighting that is not currently in compliance with the city’s Dark Skies Ordinance (i.e. fixtures not downcast, or fully shield, bulbs too bright, etc.). See examples of non-compliant ("bad") lighting and examples of compliant ('good") lighting.
- Program is on a first come, first served basis until the funds run out.
- The initial fund contains $5,000 and, if successful, will be expanded in the ensuing years and extended to multi-family units and commercial properties.
What Isn't Covered:
- Does not apply to replacing lighting that is already in conformance with the ordinance or the installation of new lighting where there wasn’t lighting before.
- Rebate does not apply to purchase of decorative or string lighting
- Rebate does not cover the cost of installation.
How Does it Work?
- Complete the lighting rebate application.
- Take photos of all lights that will be removed and replaced.
- Print out a picture of the desired replacement lighting (must include the specifications showing lumens and Correlated Color Temperature or CCT)
- Submit the application and photos and specifications to the city (either via email to jsmith [at] ci.sisters.or.us (jsmith[at]ci[dot]sisters[dot]or[dot]us) or drop off at City Hall)
- Purchase & Install Lights:
- Once approved by the City purchase the lights and have them installed (you have 90 days from the date of city approval to purchase and install the lights and request rebate from the city).
- Request Your Rebate:
- Request for your rebate by emailing the city at jsmith [at] ci.sisters.or.us (jsmith[at]ci[dot]sisters[dot]or[dot]us) (Note: requests after 90 days from city approval will not be permitted).
- The request must include:
- Proof of Purchase (e.g. the receipts) that indicate the lighting type and number of lights purchased, total cost, and date of purchase).
- Photos of the replacement lighting installed, including specifications of the light bulbs
- Address for where you want your rebate check mailed to (check will be mailed within 30 days).
Questions?
- Jacob Smith, Code Enforcement Officer at 541-323-5214)
- Scott Woodford, Community Development Director at 541-323-5211