Charlotte UDO Section 16 requires full-cutoff fixtures for parking lots and commercial uplighting, limiting skyglow. No formal dark-sky designation but lighting impact standards limit spillover. Mecklenburg County unincorporated follows similar standards for commercial.
Charlotte UDO Article 16 Lighting Standards require full-cutoff or shielded fixtures for all new parking lot, commercial, and industrial lighting. Maximum pole height 25 to 35 ft depending on zone. Canopy lighting at gas stations limited to 30 footcandles max. Residential uplighting of landscape features allowed but shall not exceed 10 footcandles at the property line. Mecklenburg County unincorporated adopted similar standards in 2014. Neither jurisdiction is a formal International Dark Sky Place but the Charlotte Astronomy Club and Mecklenburg Audubon Society advocate for stronger protections. Holiday lighting is exempt from November 15 through January 15.
Non-compliant fixture: correction notice plus 100 dollars per day after 30 days. New install without permit review: permit revocation.
Mecklenburg County, NC
All residential swimming pools in unincorporated Mecklenburg County must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing and self-latching...
Mecklenburg County, NC
HOAs in Mecklenburg County may impose fines up to 100 dollars per violation per day under NCGS 47F-3-107.1 after a hearing before an adjudicatory panel of un...
Mecklenburg County, NC
NCGS 7A-38.3F requires pre-litigation mediation for most HOA disputes in Mecklenburg County other than assessment collection. Either party may initiate media...
Mecklenburg County, NC
Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement issues building permits for all in-ground and above-ground residential pools over 24 inches deep or 5,000 gallons. Permit...
Mecklenburg County, NC
Mecklenburg County does not impose a minimum or maximum night cap on STR bookings in unincorporated areas. NCGS 160D-1207 preempts registration-based night c...
Mecklenburg County, NC
Pre-1978 residential properties in Mecklenburg County are subject to federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) enforced by NC DHHS Childhood Le...
See how Mecklenburg County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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