Apex, NC Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Max mounting height
- 35 ft for full cutoff fixtures
- Max color temperature
- 3,500 Kelvin
- Setback from property line
- 10 feet minimum
- Applies to
- Site Plans, nonresidential subdivisions
- Shields required
- near residential uses, parking lots
Summary
New Apex developments must use shielded, full cutoff outdoor fixtures capped at 35 feet and 3,500 Kelvin under the Town's Unified Development Ordinance to curb light trespass onto neighboring properties.
All exterior lighting shall be shielded from adjacent properties by existing vegetation, thick evergreen vegetated buffers, berms, walls, or fences, and/or the use of directional lighting, lighting shields, special fixtures, timing devices, appropriate light intensities, luminaries, and mountings at appropriate heights. External and/or internal shields are required on all lights in vehicular use areas and lights mounted to buildings where they are immediately adjacent to residential uses.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Apex's Unified Development Ordinance regulates exterior lighting on Site Plans and Nonresidential Master Subdivision Plans to curb light trespass and light pollution (UDO Sec. 8.6.1). Under Sec. 8.6.4, fixtures must be shielded from adjacent properties using vegetation, berms, walls, fences, or directional lighting and shields, with full cutoff fixtures capped at 35 feet; external or internal shields are mandatory on lights in vehicular use areas and building-mounted lights next to residential uses. Fixtures must sit at least 10 feet from a property or right-of-way line. Color temperature is capped at 3,500 Kelvin under Sec. 8.6.3, except for athletic field lighting.
Violations & Fines
Enforced at Site Plan review, where a licensed lighting professional must certify the plan meets these standards; installed lighting that deviates from the approved plan is subject to the UDO's zoning enforcement remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apex require full cutoff (dark-sky) light fixtures?
Is there a limit on how "blue" outdoor lights can be in Apex?
Does this rule apply to a single-family home's porch light?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Apex
Compare Apex to another location·View the North Carolina outdoor lighting overview
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle dark sky rules.