Orange County, NC Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Off-site cap
- 0.3 foot-candles at grade
- Governing code
- Chapel Hill LUMO Sec. 5.11.4
- Above ambient
- No measurable increase
- Single-family
- Anti-glare rule applies
Summary
Chapel Hill's LUMO holds light spilling onto neighboring property to 0.3 foot-candles at ground level, a tighter cap than most cities. Any development that pushes off-site light above that line, or above the existing level where ambient light already exceeds it, violates Section 5.11.4.
Increases in illumination on off-site property shall not result in lighting levels in excess of 0.3 foot-candles, measured at ground level. Where existing ambient off-site lighting levels are in excess of 0.3 foot-candles, no increase in measurable off-site lighting levels will be allowed as a result of outdoor lighting in the development.
Full Breakdown
Light trespass in Chapel Hill is measured, not judged by eye. LUMO Section 5.11.4 provides that increases in illumination on off-site property may not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at ground level; where ambient off-site light already tops 0.3 foot-candles, no measurable increase is allowed. Section 5.11.1 separately bars any lighting arranged to create glare in the right-of-way or a nuisance for neighbors. Non-residential and larger multifamily projects must submit a sealed lighting plan with isolux contours showing off-site foot-candles. Carrboro and the Orange County UDO apply comparable spill limits. Single- and two-family homes are exempt from the plan requirement but remain bound by the anti-glare and nuisance rule.
Violations & Fines
A measured off-site level above 0.3 foot-candles is a LUMO violation handled by Chapel Hill code enforcement, starting with a correction notice. Persistent commercial light trespass blocks the Zoning Compliance Permit and can bring civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light can spill onto my property in Chapel Hill?
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my window. What can I do?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
Compare Orange County to another location·View the North Carolina outdoor lighting overview
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