Outdoor Lighting in Forsyth County, NC (2026)

1 rule for unincorporated Forsyth County, North Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

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

Light Trespass & Shielding

Forsyth County and Winston-Salem regulate light trespass only from non-residential property, requiring lighting to be shielded so it does not spill onto neighbors. Glare from one home onto another is not covered by a specific ordinance and is treated as a private nuisance.

Light Trespass Rules in Forsyth County

Some Restrictions

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County UDO (sign illumination standard)

Illumination. Any externally illuminated sign shall be shielded so as not to cast direct light onto any residential district.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Forsyth County ordinances

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