Outdoor Lighting in Winston-Salem, NC: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Winston-Salem or are thinking about moving there, outdoor lighting are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Winston-Salem has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Dark Sky Rules

Winston-Salem has no formal dark-sky ordinance but the UDO requires exterior lighting to be shielded and directed downward to prevent glare. Commercial site lighting must meet UDO standards. Residential lighting subject to nuisance provisions if it creates glare.

Key details: Dark-Sky: No formal ordinance. Commercial: Full-cutoff shielded. Spill Limit: 0.5 fc at residential. Pole Height: 25-30 feet typical. Residential: Nuisance provisions.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Light Trespass

Winston-Salem addresses light trespass through UDO performance standards and nuisance provisions. Commercial lighting cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. Residential disputes typically resolved as civil nuisance matters rather than code violations.

Key details: Commercial Limit: 0.5 fc at residential line. Residential: Nuisance provisions only. Security Lights: Motion-activated OK. Remedy: Civil suit or complaint. Shielding: Commercial required.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The Bottom Line

Winston-Salem'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 Winston-Salem is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Winston-Salem 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.