Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Outdoor Lighting

How Matthews Handles Outdoor Lighting: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Matthews maintains 113 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 Matthews falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Dark Sky Rules

Matthews UDO Article 5 requires full cutoff shielded fixtures for commercial lighting, maximum 0.5 footcandles at property lines abutting residential, and pole height limits of 25-30 feet depending on district.

Key details: Fixtures: Full cutoff over 1,800 lumens. Residential boundary: 0.5 fc maximum. Pole height: 25-30 feet commercial. Canopy: Recessed flush. Fine: Up to 500 dollars per day.

UDO civil penalties up to 500 dollars per day. Correction requires fixture replacement or shielding retrofits. Photometric plans required for permit approval on commercial projects.

Light Trespass

Matthews UDO prohibits light trespass exceeding 0.5 footcandles onto residential property lines. Complaints investigated by Matthews Code Enforcement; remedies include shielding, re-aiming, or timer controls.

Key details: Limit: 0.5 fc at residential boundary. Common violators: Floodlights, wall-packs. Remedy: Shield, re-aim, or timer. Enforcement: Code Enforcement complaint. Private action: Civil nuisance available.

Commercial violations subject to UDO civil penalties up to 500 dollars per day. Residential disputes typically handled through complaint-driven code enforcement or private nuisance lawsuits in Mecklenburg County District Court.

The Bottom Line

Matthews'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 Matthews is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Matthews 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.