Outdoor Lighting in Granville County, NC (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Granville County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
In unincorporated Granville County, every exterior light must use a cutoff fixture that aims its beam so adjoining properties are not impacted, and glare from floodlights or high-temperature processes cannot be visible at any property line. County Code Sec. 32-386 treats glare as a distinct environmental performance standard, enforced by Development Services on any permitted use.
Granville County Cutoff Fixture Lighting Rule
Some RestrictionsGranville County Code Sec. 32-386
Glare, whether direct or reflected, such as from floodlights or high-temperature processes, and as differentiated from general illumination, shall not be visible at any property line. Any lights used for exterior illumination shall be cutoff fixtures that direct light in such a way that adjoining properties shall not be impacted.
Light Trespass & Shielding
In unincorporated Granville County, outdoor lighting reaching a property line abutting a residential use cannot exceed 0.5 footcandle, while lighting abutting any other use is capped at two footcandles at the line. County Code Sec. 32-386 sets these numeric light-trespass limits alongside its cutoff-fixture and no-visible-glare requirements, enforced by Development Services.
Granville County 0.5 Footcandle Trespass Limit
Some RestrictionsGranville County Code Sec. 32-386
For uses adjoining residential properties, no more than 0.5 footcandle is permitted as measured at the property line. Sites abutting all other uses shall be permitted illumination of no more than two footcandles at the property line.
Billboard Lighting
Granville County applies its general sign-illumination standard to outdoor advertising signs (billboards) permitted in unincorporated areas: light must be constant, shielded so it does not glare onto neighboring property or public streets, and wired through a ground fault interrupter. County Code Sec. 32-494(g) is the only lighting rule the code applies to permitted billboards.
Granville County Billboard Lighting Rule
Some RestrictionsGranville County Code Sec. 32-494(g)
(g)Illumination. Sign illumination shall be constant in intensity and color. The light for any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded or directed so as not to cause glare on surrounding properties or in public streets. No direct or reflected light from a light source for an illuminated sign shall create a traffic hazard for operation of motor vehicles. Illuminated signs shall be wired with ...
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