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North Charleston, SC Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 4-17(a), site lighting
Residential cap
18 feet, cutoff fixtures required
Commercial cap
24 feet, full cutoff fixtures
Industrial cap
30 feet, full cutoff fixtures

Summary

The City of North Charleston caps outdoor light fixture height by zoning district and requires cutoff or full cutoff fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial areas to shield the light source.

(iii) Light fixtures in residentially zoned areas shall be limited in height to eighteen (18) feet using cutoff fixtures. (iv) Light fixtures in commercial and industrial zoned areas: (1) Commercially zoned properties shall be limited in height to twenty-four (24) feet using full cutoff fixtures...(2) Light fixtures in industrially-zoned areas shall be limited in height to thirty (30) feet using full cutoff fixtures.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).

Full Breakdown

Section 4-17 of the zoning ordinance requires a lighting plan with every site plan review. Fixtures in residential districts are capped at 18 feet using cutoff fixtures; commercial properties may go to 24 feet using full cutoff fixtures (or 18 feet with standard cutoff fixtures), and industrial properties to 30 feet using full cutoff fixtures. Street lighting along a major arterial right-of-way tops out at 40 feet. Building façade lighting and low-voltage landscape lighting are exempt only if shielded and aimed so no visible glare reaches the public right-of-way or neighboring properties.

Violations & Fines

Installing fixtures above the height cap for the district, or without the required cutoff shielding, is a zoning violation reviewable by the zoning administrator during site plan approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a commercial light pole be in North Charleston?
Up to 24 feet with full cutoff fixtures, or 18 feet with standard cutoff fixtures, under § 4-17(a)(iv)(1).
Are all outdoor lights required to be shielded?
Site lighting on commercial and industrial parcels must use cutoff or full cutoff fixtures; façade and low-voltage landscape lighting are exempt only if aimed to avoid glare onto neighbors or the right-of-way.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in North Charleston

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All North Charleston rules

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