Outdoor Lighting in Rowan County, NC (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Rowan County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Light Trespass & Shielding
Businesses and rural home occupations operating under Rowan County's special-requirement standards must shield outdoor lighting so it does not spill onto neighboring homes. County Code Sec. 21-55(5) applies to any use listed as SR under the zoning ordinance's table of uses, and Planning & Development checks compliance during the mandatory site plan review before a zoning permit is issued.
Rowan County Requires Shielded Outdoor Lighting
Some RestrictionsRowan County Code § 21-55(5)
(5)Lighting. The lighting shall be shielded to prevent light and glare spillover to adjacent residentially developed properties.
Billboard Lighting
Rowan County's zoning code bans lighting on any sign, including off-premises billboards, that throws glare onto residentially developed property or that obstructs views, imitates traffic signals, or otherwise confuses or endangers drivers. Off-premises signs larger than 100 square feet, the category covering most billboards, are only allowed as a special use in the CBI and IND districts.
Sign and Billboard Lighting in Rowan County
Some RestrictionsRowan County Code §§ 21-182, 21-183
Sec. 21-182. - Lighting of signs. No signs may have lighting which: (1)Causes glare to shine on adjacent residentially developed property.(2)Obstruct views, imitate traffic lights or otherwise confuse or potentially endanger motorists. ... Sec. 21-183. - Off-premises signs. Off-premises signs, larger than one hundred (100) square feet, are only allowed as special uses on the CBI and IND zoning ...
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