Outdoor Lighting in Charlotte, NC (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Charlotte, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Charlotte addresses outdoor lighting standards through the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which requires new development to use fully shielded (full cut-off) fixtures to minimize light pollution and sky glow. While Charlotte is not a designated International Dark Sky community, the UDO imposes maximum illumination levels at property lines and requires downward-directed lighting for commercial and multifamily projects.
Charlotte Dark Sky & Outdoor Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsLight Trespass
Charlotte's UDO establishes light trespass standards that limit the amount of light from one property that spills onto adjacent properties. New development must design lighting plans so that illumination at the property line does not exceed specified footcandle limits. Residents affected by excessive light from neighboring commercial or multifamily properties can file complaints with Code Enforcement.
Charlotte Light Trespass Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Mecklenburg County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charlotte city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Mecklenburg County →