Outdoor Lighting in Lee County, NC (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Lee County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Light Trespass & Shielding
Multi-family developments in unincorporated Lee County must shield security lighting so it points downward and does not shine into dwelling units on the site or on adjacent property, while still lighting driveway intersections and building entries.
Multi-Family Outdoor Lighting Shielding Rule
Light RestrictionsLee County Unified Development Ordinance § 10.3.2.4.2
10.3.2.4.2. Outdoor area lighting shall be provided for security. Such lighting shall be shielded to direct light downward and not into dwelling units on, or adjacent to, the multi-family site. Lighting shall be provided to illuminate the intersections of primary interior driveways and building entryways.
Billboard Lighting
In unincorporated Lee County, outdoor advertising (billboard) signs are allowed only in the HC, LI and HI zoning districts, never near Sanford or Broadway where billboards are banned outright. The county's Unified Development Ordinance caps each billboard at 300 square feet and, under Table 11-4, permits internal or indirect illumination in those districts while banning exposed bulbs or neon lighting on the sign face.
Lee County Billboard Sign Illumination Rules
Some RestrictionsLee County Unified Development Ordinance §§ 11.9.2, Table 11-4
11.9.2.1.Outdoor advertising signs (off-premises signs) are permitted only in the following zoning districts: HC, LI, and HI. ... 11.9.2. ... 5.Dimensions of outdoor advertising signs shall not exceed 300 square feet per sign area. ... TABLE 11-4: STANDARDS FOR SIGN CHARACTERISTICS ... RA, RR, R-20, R-14, R-12, R-10, R-6, MF-12, PUD, TND CBD C-1, O&I, LI, HI NC,C-2, HC ... Illumination, Interna...
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