Dark Skies Lighting Standards

Updated as of December 5, 2023.

Update:

On January 10, 2024, the Sisters City Council adopted wholesale updates to the City's Dark Skies Outdoor Lighting ordinance in the Sisters Development Code that include requirements for outdoor lighting that apply to all new outdoor lighting installed on or after the effective date (February 10, 2024) and provides a five (5) year timeframe for bringing existing, non-conforming lighting into conformance with the new ordinance.  Updating the city’s Dark Skies lighting ordinance is a specific City Council goal and supported by goals and policies in the Sisters Comprehensive Plan.   Community education will be the first step in the process.

International Dark Sky Certification

In conjunction with adoption of the new ordinance, the Sisters City Council has indicated an interest in becoming certified as an International Dark Sky Community by the International Dark Sky Association.  Benefits of certification include increased tourism to the community (sometimes called astro-tourism), increased public education about importance of preserving the dark skies (while still providing ample opportunities for adequate lighting for safety).  Designation entitles the community to display the International Dark Sky Community logo in official publications, promotions, and on signs at entrances or within the community. 

Questions:

Please contact the Community Development Director, Scott Woodford, at 541-323-5211 or email: swoodford@ci.sisters.or.us