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Horry County, SC Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Full-cutoff threshold
Over 100 watts / 200 lumens
Skyward light
Prohibited from fixtures
Wall lights
Must be fully shielded
Turtle lighting ordinance
None; voluntary Lights Out
Nesting season
May through October

Summary

Horry County has no dedicated dark-sky or sea-turtle lighting ordinance, but Zoning Ordinance Section 410 requires brighter fixtures to be full-cutoff or shielded so light is not aimed skyward, onto roadways, or into neighbors' windows. Grand Strand residents are also urged to keep beachfront lights out during turtle season.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Horry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Light fixtures in excess of one hundred (100) watts or two hundred (200) lumens shall be full-cutoff or directionally shielded and shall be aimed and controlled so that light ... does not project into the windows of neighboring residences, adjacent uses, past the object being illuminated, skyward, or onto a public roadway.

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 88).

Full Breakdown

Section 410 (Light and glare) of the Horry County Zoning Ordinance requires light fixtures over 100 watts or 200 lumens to be full-cutoff or directionally shielded and aimed so illumination stays on the intended object and does not project skyward, onto public roadways, or into neighboring residences. Wall-mounted lights must be fully shielded. Unlike Georgetown County's Garden City Beach, the SC DNR ordinance survey lists Horry County, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach as having no formal sea-turtle lighting ordinance, so beachfront light management is voluntary through 'Lights Out for Turtles' during the May-October nesting season.

Violations & Fines

Lighting that violates Section 410's shielding or glare limits is a zoning violation subject to correction orders and code-enforcement penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Horry County have a sea-turtle lighting law?
No. The SC DNR ordinance list shows Horry County and its beach towns have no formal turtle-lighting ordinance; beachfront light-dimming is voluntary during nesting season.
Can my floodlight shine into the sky?
No. Fixtures over 100 watts or 200 lumens must be full-cutoff or shielded so light does not project skyward, onto roadways, or into neighboring homes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Horry County

Light Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsBillboard LightingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy Restrictions

All Horry County rules

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