Outdoor Lighting in Wayne County, NC (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Wayne County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Light Trespass & Shielding
Wayne County's Zoning Ordinance requires exterior lighting aimed at a sign to be shielded so it lights only the sign face and does not shine onto the public right-of-way or a neighboring property, the county's specific rule against sign-related light trespass.
Wayne County Sign Lighting Glare Limits
Some RestrictionsWayne County Zoning Ordinance § 99
External lighting directed toward a sign shall be shielded so that it illuminates only the face of the sign and does not shine directly into or cause glare onto a public right of way or any adjacent properties. In addition, such lighting shall be shielded to prevent the direct view of the light source from any residence, residential district or public right of way.
Billboard Lighting
Wayne County allows outdoor advertising signs to be lit, but Code § 58-23(9)b requires the light to be aimed at the sign face and shielded so the source itself is not visible to drivers or neighbors. Flashing or intermittent illumination is banned outright, and any illuminated billboard must meet the North Carolina Building Code's lighting requirements.
Wayne County Billboard Illumination Standards
Some RestrictionsWayne County Code § 58-23(9)b
b.Illumination. Outdoor advertising signs may be illuminated in accordance with the following requirements:1.Lighting shall be directed to the face of the sign and shall be shielded so that the source of the light is not visible and does not create a hazard or nuisance for motorists or nearby residents.2.No flashing or intermittent illumination signs shall be permitted.3.Any illuminated sign sh...
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