Horry County, SC Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Trespass limit
- 1 footcandle at residential line
- Applies in
- All zoning districts
- Vehicles
- Exempted from the limit
- Neighbor interference
- Prohibited
- Wall lights
- Fully shielded required
Summary
Horry County Zoning Ordinance Section 410 caps light spillover: no activity may cause illumination exceeding one (1) footcandle across any residential lot line in a residential district. Lighting that substantially interferes with a neighbor's use of their property is prohibited.
In all districts, any operation or activity which produces light or glare, except for cars, trucks, and other vehicles traveling on highways, streets, or railways, shall not cause illumination in excess of one (1) footcandle across any residential lot line in any residential district.
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 sets a measurable light-trespass limit: in all districts, any operation or activity producing light or glare (except vehicles on roads) must not cause illumination in excess of one footcandle across any residential lot line in a residential district. Lighting that unnecessarily illuminates and substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of another property is prohibited, and lighting must be oriented and shielded to minimize impact on surrounding properties. Wall-mounted lights must be fully shielded to keep the light source from being visible from adjacent residential property or the public street right-of-way. This gives neighbors a concrete standard when a floodlight or commercial fixture spills onto their yard.
Violations & Fines
Illumination over one footcandle at a residential lot line, or lighting that substantially interferes with a neighbor's property, is a violation the county can order corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my yard: is that legal?
How is light trespass measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Horry County
Compare Horry County to another location·View the South Carolina outdoor lighting overview
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