Spartanburg County, SC Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Dark-sky ordinance
- None adopted
- Governing standard
- PZO Section 2.3.93 glare limits
- Glare direction
- Not toward homes or roads
- Fixtures
- Aimed inward, shielded when needed
- Illumination limit
- PZO Section 2.3.92
Summary
Spartanburg County has no dedicated dark-sky or International Dark-Sky ordinance. Instead, the Performance Zoning Ordinance limits light and glare: any activity producing glare must be built so that glare is not directed into residential districts, across protected residential property lines, or into public road travel lanes.
In all Districts, any activity producing glare from a non-mobile source... shall be so constructed so that glare is not directed into a Restrictive Development District, across the protected property line of an adjacent protected residential use, or into travel lanes of public roads.
Full Breakdown
The county does not regulate light for astronomical dark-sky purposes, but Section 2.3.93 of the Performance Zoning Ordinance's light-and-glare standards functions as its lighting-nuisance rule. Any activity producing glare from a non-mobile source must be constructed so glare is not directed into a Restrictive Development District, across the protected property line of an adjacent protected residential use, or into the travel lanes of public roads. Pole-mounted fixtures must aim light inward, away from property lines and roads, and be shielded where needed. A separate illumination limit (Section 2.3.92) caps light crossing a protected residential property line. Municipalities may adopt their own lighting standards.
Violations & Fines
Lighting that casts glare or excess illumination onto neighboring residential property or roadways violates the performance standards and is subject to County zoning enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spartanburg County have a dark-sky ordinance?
What lighting standard applies to my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spartanburg County
Compare Spartanburg County to another location·View the South Carolina outdoor lighting overview
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