High Point, NC Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- Over 4,050 lumens
- Requirement
- Cut-off, angled, or shielded
- Goal
- No skyward or trespass spill
- Authority
- Development Ordinance § 5.10.6.C.1
Summary
High Point requires any outdoor fixture producing more than 4,050 lumens to be a cut-off type that's located, angled, or shielded so light stays on the intended area instead of spilling skyward or onto neighbors.
All outdoor light fixtures that produce more than 4,050 lumens shall be cut-off fixtures that are located, angled, or shielded to focus light on the intended subject or area and prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties or skyward as depicted in Figure 5.10.6.C, Cut-Off Light Fixtures. The lumen output of a lighting fixture is specified by the manufacturer.2.Exterior lighting devices that produce 4,050 lumens (and need not be cut-off, angled, or shielded) include, but are not limited, to:(a)200 watt standard incandescent;(b)150 watt tungsten-halogen (quartz);(c)50 watt high pressure sodium;(d)50 watt cool white fluorescent; and(e)30 watt low pressure sodium.
FIGURE 5.10.6.C, CUT-OFF LIGHT FIXTURES FIGURE 5.10.6.C, CUT-OFF LIGHT FIXTURES
3.Wall packs shall be cut-off and floodlights shall be shielded (e.g., true cut-off type bulb or light source not visible from off-site) to direct light downward and eliminate light pollution above the facade of a structure. (Ord. No. 7365/17-108, § 1, 11-20-2017; Ord. No. 7542/19-59, §§ 4.C, 5, 7-15-2019)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 9 | Development Ordinance: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Section 5.10.6.C.1 of the Development Ordinance requires that all outdoor light fixtures producing more than 4,050 lumens be 'cut-off fixtures that are located, angled, or shielded to focus light on the intended subject or area and prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties or skyward,' as shown in Figure 5.10.6.C. Lower-output fixtures, a 200-watt incandescent bulb or smaller equivalent, are exempt from the cut-off requirement. The standard applies to new buildings, uses, and qualifying expansions reviewed through site or building-permit lighting plans.
Violations & Fines
An uncapped floodlight or unshielded pole fixture above 4,050 lumens on a covered site fails the standard and gets flagged during site plan or building-permit review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every outdoor light need a shield?
Does this apply to my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in High Point
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