Outdoor Lighting in Durham, NC (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Durham, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Durham's UDO includes outdoor lighting standards that require fixtures to be fully shielded and directed downward to minimize light pollution. New commercial and multi-family development must comply with lighting standards that limit upward light emissions. Durham does not have a formal dark sky ordinance but addresses light pollution through its development standards and zoning regulations.
Durham Dark Sky & Outdoor Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsLight Trespass
Durham's UDO requires that outdoor lighting not produce glare or light trespass onto adjacent properties. New development lighting plans must demonstrate that light levels at property boundaries do not exceed specified maximums. Existing properties causing light nuisance may be addressed through the city's general nuisance provisions in the code of ordinances.