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Durham County, NC Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governing code
Durham UDO Sec. 7.4
Height near homes
15 ft within 50 ft of home
Height farther out
30 ft if 50+ ft away
Residential-line limit
0.5 foot-candles
Applies to
City + unincorporated county

Summary

Durham's UDO caps outdoor light-fixture height and spillover. Fixtures near homes are limited to 15 feet above grade within 50 feet of a residential property line, or 30 feet if farther, and illumination at a residential property line may not exceed 0.5 foot-candles.

City-specific rules exist: Durham has its own dark sky rules rules that differ from Durham County's county-level regulations. If you live in Durham, check the city-specific page instead.

Thirty feet above grade if located at least 50 feet from a residential property line; fifteen feet above grade if located within 50 feet of a residential property line. The maximum illumination at the edge of the property line adjacent to a residential zoning district shall be 0.5 foot-candles.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Durham's joint City-County Unified Development Ordinance sets outdoor-lighting standards in Section 7.4 that apply in the City and unincorporated Durham County. To limit glare and sky glow, mounting height is capped at 30 feet above grade if a fixture is located at least 50 feet from a residential property line, and 15 feet above grade if within 50 feet of a residential property line. Spillover is controlled at lot lines: the maximum illumination at the edge of the property line adjacent to a residential zoning district shall be 0.5 foot-candles. The UDO also requires lighting to be oriented so it does not direct glare or excessive illumination onto streets and adjacent residences.

Violations & Fines

Fixtures exceeding the height caps, exceeding the 0.5 foot-candle residential-line limit, or throwing glare onto neighbors violate UDO Sec. 7.4. Durham City-County Planning can require shielding, re-aiming, lowering, or replacement of the lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Durham have dark-sky lighting rules?
Durham's UDO Sec. 7.4 sets outdoor-lighting standards limiting fixture height, glare, and spillover, functioning like dark-sky rules, though Durham is not a formal International Dark-Sky community.
How tall can an outdoor light pole be?
Under the UDO, a fixture may be up to 30 feet above grade if at least 50 feet from a residential property line, or 15 feet above grade if within 50 feet of one.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Durham County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsLight Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Durham County rules

Compare Durham County to another location·View the North Carolina outdoor lighting overview

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Dark Sky Rules in Cities Across Durham County

Durham, NC