How Cary Handles Outdoor Lighting: A Practical Guide
Cary maintains 106 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with outdoor lighting. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Cary falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Light Trespass & Shielding
On Town of Cary sites subject to development plan review, floodlights and spotlights must be aimed and shielded away from neighboring properties; single-unit homes are exempt from this Land Development Ordinance standard.
Key details: Applies to: Non-residential & multi-family sites. Exempt: Single-unit attached/detached homes. Pole-mounted floodlights: Prohibited outright. Standard: Shielded, aimed away from neighbors.
An unshielded or misaimed floodlight that spills light onto a neighboring property or the right-of-way violates the approved development plan and can draw a citation from Planning staff on inspection or complaint.
Dark Sky Rules
Cary's Land Development Ordinance limits outdoor light poles to 18 feet for non-cutoff fixtures and 35-37 feet for shielded cutoff fixtures, reviewed at development-plan approval; single-family homes in the Wake County town are exempt.
Key details: Non-cutoff fixtures: 18 ft max height. Cutoff fixtures: 35 ft max height. On raised foundations: 37 ft max height. Single-family homes: exempt from Section 7.9.
Development plans exceeding the 18-foot non-cutoff or 35/37-foot cutoff height limits are not approved by the Planning Director; noncompliant fixtures must be redesigned before permitting.
The Bottom Line
Cary's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cary is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Cary can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.