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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Governing code
Durham UDO Sec. 7.4
Residential-line limit
0.5 foot-candles
Nonresidential/street limit
5.0 foot-candles
Glare rule
No glare onto adjacent homes
Enforced by
City-County Planning

Summary

Durham's UDO limits light crossing onto neighbors. Illumination at a property line next to a residential district may not exceed 0.5 foot-candles, and lighting must be oriented so it does not direct glare or excessive light onto streets and adjacent homes.

City-specific rules exist: Durham has its own light trespass & shielding rules that differ from Durham County's county-level regulations. If you live in Durham, check the city-specific page instead.

The maximum illumination at the edge of the property line adjacent to a residential zoning district shall be 0.5 foot-candles. Lighting shall be oriented not to direct glare or excessive illumination onto streets and adjacent residences.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Light trespass, meaning a neighbor's light spilling onto your property, is addressed directly by Durham's joint City-County Unified Development Ordinance in Section 7.4, which covers the City and unincorporated Durham County. The ordinance sets a hard spillover cap: the maximum illumination at the edge of the property line adjacent to a residential zoning district shall be 0.5 foot-candles (rising to 5.0 foot-candles at nonresidential or street property lines). Separately, lighting shall be oriented not to direct glare or excessive illumination onto streets and adjacent residences. Together these give Durham residents a measurable standard to cite when a neighbor's floodlights or commercial lighting intrude.

Violations & Fines

Lighting that exceeds 0.5 foot-candles at a residential property line or throws glare onto neighbors violates UDO Sec. 7.4. Durham City-County Planning can order the fixture shielded, re-aimed, lowered, or replaced, with penalties for non-compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a limit on light shining onto my property in Durham?
Yes. Durham's UDO Sec. 7.4 caps illumination at a residential property line at 0.5 foot-candles and requires fixtures to be oriented so they do not throw glare onto adjacent homes.
What can I do about a neighbor's bright lights?
Talk to the neighbor first, then contact Durham City-County Planning. If the spillover exceeds 0.5 foot-candles at your property line, the UDO lets the city require shielding or re-aiming of the fixture.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Durham County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDark Sky RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Durham County rules

Compare Durham County to another location·View the North Carolina outdoor lighting overview

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Light Trespass & Shielding in Cities Across Durham County

Durham, NC