Outdoor Lighting in Wake County, NC (2026)
1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Wake County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Wake County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Wake County's UDO caps exterior lighting spillover at one foot-candle measured at the lot line of any use, preventing glare from crossing onto neighboring property.
Wake County Light Trespass Limit At Lot Line
Some RestrictionsWake County UDO § 17-11-7
No exterior lighting may cause illumination in excess of one foot candle at the lot line of any use.
Outdoor Lighting by City in Wake County
3 cities in Wake County have their own outdoor lighting rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Wake County ordinances
See every category we cover for Wake County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Wake County Ordinance Hub →