Outdoor Lighting in Buncombe County, NC (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Buncombe County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Dark Sky Rules

Buncombe County requires all permanently installed outdoor lighting fixtures over 1,250 lumens to be full cutoff or cutoff fixtures that block upward glow, under Code Sec. 78-668(e)(2). The rule applies to new commercial, industrial, public and residential development plus new dusk-to-dawn security lights; existing single-family home lighting is exempt except for dusk-to-dawn utility lights.

Buncombe County Full Cutoff Outdoor Lighting Rule

Some Restrictions

Buncombe County Code Sec. 78-668(e)(2)

(c)Exemptions. The following are not regulated by the lighting standards set forth in this section:(1)Lighting for single-family residential use, with the exception of dusk-to-dawn utility/security lights which shall be regulated pursuant to subsection (e)(5)...(d)Prohibitions. The following lighting types are specifically prohibited:(2)Lighting that is oriented upward, except as otherwise prov...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass & Shielding

Buncombe County caps outdoor light spilling onto neighboring land at 0.75 footcandles measured at the property line, or 3.0 footcandles at a public street right-of-way, under Code Sec. 78-668(e)(1). The average light level across a developed project cannot exceed 4.5 footcandles, and inspectors measure trespass with a calibrated meter held at ground level.

Buncombe County Light Trespass Limit: 0.75 Footcandles

Some Restrictions

Buncombe County Code Sec. 78-668(e)(1)

(e)Lighting specifications.(1)Intensity.a.Unless otherwise specified, the maximum light level at any point shall be 0.75 footcandles at any property line, or 3.0 footcandles at any public street right-of-way.b.The maximum average light level for the developed area of the project to be permitted shall be 4.5 footcandles.c.The maximum rating for LED lights shall be 4.300 degrees Kelvin....(f)(4)L...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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