Outdoor Lighting in Oconee County, SC (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Oconee County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
In the zoned areas of unincorporated Oconee County, Chapter 38, Appendix A(c) requires exterior lighting on any project needing a zoning permit to be shielded and directed so it doesn't spill into the night sky. Fixtures can't top 20 feet, and a licensed lighting plan showing shielding, fixture type, and photometric data must be approved first.
Oconee County Dark-Sky Lighting Shielding Rule
Some RestrictionsOconee County Code, Ch. 38, Appendix A(c)(2)
(c)Lighting standards. The purpose of these standards is to assure that adequate exterior lighting is provided to facilitate crime prevention, security, and safe passage, and that exterior lights be shielded to reduce the impact of lighting on neighboring uses, potential safety hazards to the traveling public, and the effect on viewsheds and nightscapes. ... (2)Exterior lighting shall be shield...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Chapter 38, Appendix A(c)(3) tells developers in the zoned areas of unincorporated Oconee County that lighting shall not illuminate neighboring properties or distract or harm the traveling public on road rights-of-way. Any needed screening has to appear on the site plan, and the county inspects lighting before it will issue a certificate of occupancy.
Oconee County Bars Lighting That Hits Neighbors
Some RestrictionsOconee County Code, Ch. 38, Appendix A(c)(3)
(3)Lighting shall not illuminate neighboring properties or distract/harm the traveling public on road rights-of-way. Any necessary screening of lighting shall be shown on site plans. Lighting will be inspected before a certificate of occupancy is granted.
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