Orangeburg County, SC Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Fixture rule
- Fully shielded, no light above fixture base
- Preferred lamp type
- Low-pressure sodium, where possible
- Residential/medical limit
- 0.1 footcandle at property line
- Other areas limit
- 0.5 footcandle at property line
- Also barred
- Direct or sky-reflected glare visible in a residence
Summary
Manufacturing uses in unincorporated Orangeburg County must fully shield outdoor light fixtures under Section 3.2 of the Zoning Ordinance so no light shines above the fixture's lowest point, and illumination measured at the property line is capped at 0.1 footcandle facing residential or medical areas and 0.5 footcandle elsewhere.
(10)Exterior Illumination. All outdoor light fixtures shall be fully shielded and installed in such a way that no light is emitted above a horizontal plane running through the lowest part of the fixture. Low-pressure sodium should be used wherever possible. The pattern of light pooling from each light source shall be carefully considered to avoid throwing light onto adjacent properties. Light sources visible in residential or medical areas shall not exceed 0.1 footcandle. Light sources visible in other areas shall not exceed 0.5 footcandle. Measurements shall be in a vented plane at the property line.
Full Breakdown
1 footcandle. ' An applicant for a manufacturing permit must submit, with the application, a written agreement to conform to the performance standards, including the lighting limits, at all times.
Violations & Fines
Installing an unshielded fixture, or exceeding 0.1 footcandle at a residential or medical property line and 0.5 footcandle elsewhere, breaches the Section 3.2 performance-standard agreement filed with the manufacturing permit application. Enforcement follows a complaint to the Zoning Administrator, and a facility that cannot meet the standard must mitigate or seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals under Article 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do manufacturing sites in Orangeburg County have to shield outdoor lighting?
What is the outdoor lighting limit near non-residential property in Orangeburg County?
Does the lighting rule cover glare as well as brightness?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orangeburg County
Compare Orangeburg County to another location·View the South Carolina outdoor lighting overview
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