Outdoor Lighting in Durham County, NC (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Durham County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Durham's UDO caps outdoor light-fixture height and spillover. Fixtures near homes are limited to 15 feet above grade within 50 feet of a residential property line, or 30 feet if farther, and illumination at a residential property line may not exceed 0.5 foot-candles.
Outdoor Lighting in Durham County, NC: UDO Shielding Limits
Some RestrictionsDurham UDO Sec. 7.4.3
Thirty feet above grade if located at least 50 feet from a residential property line; fifteen feet above grade if located within 50 feet of a residential property line. The maximum illumination at the edge of the property line adjacent to a residential zoning district shall be 0.5 foot-candles.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Durham's UDO limits light crossing onto neighbors. Illumination at a property line next to a residential district may not exceed 0.5 foot-candles, and lighting must be oriented so it does not direct glare or excessive light onto streets and adjacent homes.
Light Trespass in Durham County, NC: 0.5 Foot-Candle Limit
Some RestrictionsDurham UDO Sec. 7.4.3
The maximum illumination at the edge of the property line adjacent to a residential zoning district shall be 0.5 foot-candles. Lighting shall be oriented not to direct glare or excessive illumination onto streets and adjacent residences.
Outdoor Lighting by City in Durham County
1 cities in Durham County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Durham County ordinances
See every category we cover for Durham County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Durham County Ordinance Hub →