Asheville, NC Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

City Code Sec. 7-11-10 defines "light trespass" as unwanted light spilling onto an adjacent property and/or excessive glare occurring in the normal field of vision. 5 footcandle, maintained. Flood lamps are separately capped at 1,250 fixture lumens and must be shielded and aimed at least 60 degrees down from horizontal so the main beam is not visible from adjacent properties or the public right-of-way. Where land elevation differences mean a lighting installation causes offensive light trespass or glare onto a nearby street or dwelling, subsection (g)(7) lets the city planning director require corrective action: installing shields, changing the aim of the offending fixtures, changing the pole location or mounting height, altering the light distribution pattern, or removing the offending poles and fixtures outright.

Low-voltage landscape lighting is allowed only if shielded to eliminate glare and light trespass, and any exposed lamp or bulb visible from the property boundary is separately listed among the section's outright prohibitions unless specifically exempted. Property owners who fail to bring a nonconforming lighting system into compliance are subject to the civil penalties set out in Sec. 7-18-2(b). Appeals over interpretation or application of the lighting ordinance go to the Asheville board of adjustment under Article VI. The ordinance traces to Ord. No. 3676 (11-25-08) and has been amended through Ord. No. 5057 (1-23-24).