Brunswick County, NC Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Max at residential property line
- 0.2 foot-candles
- Max at commercial property line
- 0.5 foot-candles
- Max fixture height
- 40 feet
- Scope
- Nonresidential, multifamily, new subdivisions
- Blinking/flashing lights
- Prohibited outside safety use
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Brunswick County, North Carolina's UDO prohibits site lighting that unnecessarily illuminates and substantially interferes with a neighbor's use of their property. Light next to a residential lot cannot exceed 0.2 foot-candles measured at the property line, and the rule applies mainly to nonresidential, multifamily and new subdivision lighting, not to a homeowner's ordinary porch light.
Lighting within any lot that unnecessarily illuminates and substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of any other property is prohibited. Lighting unnecessarily illuminates another lot if it exceeds the requirements of this Section.
Full Breakdown
9. 0 foot-candles. D prohibits blinking or flashing lights unless required as a safety feature such as a tower beacon. A require the light source to be concealed behind an opaque housing and not visible from the street or adjoining properties, with overhead fixtures designed to prevent light from escaping upward. 2, this Article applies to nonresidential and multifamily development, lighting for new subdivisions or planned developments, and modifications or expansions that increase fixture count or foot-candle levels; it is not written to reach an individual homeowner's exterior lighting outside those development contexts.
8, but any replacement or expansion must meet current standards. This lighting article governs only the unincorporated county, not Leland, Southport, Oak Island or Brunswick County's other incorporated towns.
Violations & Fines
Lighting that exceeds the illumination-level table or is found to unnecessarily illuminate and substantially interfere with a neighboring property's use is a UDO violation. The Zoning Administrator issues a notice of violation and correction order; if the lighting isn't brought into compliance, Section 9.11.9.C authorizes a $100 civil penalty for each additional day, and Section 9.11.9.D allows a misdemeanor charge with a fine up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can lighting be at my property line in Brunswick County?
Does the light trespass rule apply to my house?
What counts as prohibited excessive illumination?
Are flashing or blinking outdoor lights allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brunswick County
Compare Brunswick County to another location·View the North Carolina outdoor lighting overview
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