No more backyard birthday suits for a Clackamas County man.

The Happy Valley City Council finalized a new ordinance Tuesday evening making public nudity a crime.

It all started when neighbors of 56-year-old Steven Howatt complained about his naked yard work.

He told KGW that the activity is spiritual, not sexual, and helps him feel more in tune with nature. Howatt said he prefers the term "naturist" to "nudist."

"A lot of nudists only like going to resorts. I love nature because I like playing Adam,” Howatt said. "I can’t tell you all the reasons why it thrills my soul to be a naturist.”

The law makes illegal exposure of genitalia that is offense to someone, or in view of a child 13 or younger. It goes into effect on Nov. 16.

A city official said that no neighbors ever complained of lewd activity by Howatt.

Community Services Director Steve Campbell said he met with Howatt last week and he indicated he intends to comply with the new law.

Howatt added that no one had ever complained to him in person.

“It hurts me that they chatted among themselves but never approached me about a discussion,” he said.