In 2014, the City of Cannon Beach adopted language into its Municipal Code (CBMC) to manage exterior lighting in both residential and commercial areas. These ordinance amendments, often called Dark Sky ordinances, promote exterior lighting that is sensitive to environmental and health concerns, while respecting the safety concerns of business owners and citizens. The Residential Exterior Lighting standards can be found at the City's website, under sub-section 17.90.110 of the Municipal Code. These standards have also been summarized in an easy to understand handout, Residential Exterior Lighting standards summary.
The exterior lighting of commercially zoned areas in Cannon Beach are managed through the Design Review Board and CBMC 17.44.150. If a business owner or operator wishes to make changes to their exterior lighting, they should contact the City's Community Development Department.
More information on the benefits of managing exterior lighting can be found at the website of the International Dark Sky Association. The City of Cannon Beach has joined a number of cities and counties across Oregon, the U.S. and internationally to support the Dark Skies movement, utilizing the IDSA's model ordinance and policy guidance in drafting its exterior lighting standards. To better understand exactly how a lumen translates to watts, you can compare the numbers with the lumens to watts conversion guide. To learn more about these efforts, please visit the IDSA's website, see the City of Cannon Beach's information provided below, or contact the Cannon Beach Community Development Department, at 503.436.8040 or planning [at] ci.cannon-beach.or.us (subject: Dark%20Skies) , if you have questions.
Please remember, if you ever have a Dark Sky related concern or complaint you can register that complaint with the Code Enforcement Official at the City's online Code Complaint Form.