Columbia, SC Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Cap next to single-family/duplex
- 0.5 footcandles at lot line
- Cap next to commercial/institutional
- 1-2 footcandles at lot line
- Cap next to industrial/utility
- 3 footcandles at lot line
- Curfew near residential
- Off by 11 p.m. or 1 hr after closing
- Exempt use
- Street lighting
Summary
Columbia's exterior lighting standard exists specifically to keep light spillage and glare off neighboring land: Sec. 17-5.9 requires every exterior fixture to be designed so illumination measured at ground level at the lot line stays under fixed footcandle caps, ranging from 0.5 footcandles next to single-family and duplex homes up to 3 footcandles next to industrial uses.
(a) Purpose and Intent The purpose and intent of this Section is to regulate exterior lighting to: Ensure all exterior lighting is designed and installed to maintain adequate lighting levels on site; Assure that excessive light spillage and glare are not directed at adjacent lands, neighboring areas, and motorists; Curtail light pollution, reduce skyglow, and preserve the nighttime environment for the enjoyment of residents and visitors... Maximum Illumination Levels: Except for street lighting, all exterior lighting and indoor lighting visible from outside shall be designed and located so that the maximum illumination measured in footcandles at ground level at a lot line ... shall not exceed the standards in Table 17-5.9(e)(4)a: Maximum Illumination Levels.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 9(a) states the purpose of Columbia's exterior lighting standard is to assure that excessive light spillage and glare are not directed at adjacent lands, neighboring areas, and motorists, and to curtail light pollution and preserve the nighttime environment. 5 footcandles. Other residential uses, commercial uses, mixed-use dwellings, and public, civic, and institutional uses cap out at 1 to 2 footcandles depending on the abutting use, and transportation, utility, and industrial uses top out at 3 footcandles. The rule applies to indoor lighting visible from outside as well as fixtures mounted outdoors, and street lighting is the only carve-out. or within one hour of closing, whichever comes first, except for the minimum lighting needed for security, recreation, or emergency access. m.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the footcandle limit at a lot line, or leaving commercial or institutional lighting on past the 11:00 p.m. cutoff near residential property, violates Sec. 17-5.9 and is a misdemeanor under Sec. 17-8.6(c), punishable under Sec. 1-5 by a fine up to $500.00, up to 30 days imprisonment, or both, with each day of continued glare charged as a separate offense. The Zoning Administrator can withhold other permits for the site until the fixtures are corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light can spill onto my neighbor's yard?
Does a business have to turn its lights off at night?
Is street lighting exempt from the trespass limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbia
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