Wake County UDO §7-72 limits light trespass onto adjacent residential properties — typically 0.3 footcandles at the residential property line. Persistent trespass into a neighbor's bedroom window can also be addressed as a private nuisance under NC common law.
The UDO performance standard for non-residential uses sets a measurable maximum illuminance at residential property lines (commonly 0.3 fc). For residential-to-residential trespass — a bright porch light shining into a bedroom — Wake County does not provide formal enforcement, but NC common-law nuisance applies and the affected neighbor can seek injunctive relief. Wake County Planning recommends mediation first. The Sheriff's Office will not respond to lighting complaints; the path is private suit or HOA enforcement.
Commercial: civil penalty under UDO Art. 22 plus shielding order. Residential vs. residential: no county enforcement; civil suit possible.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §92.05(H), (I), and (L) target industrial and commercial noise: construction over 1,000 ft from residences, loading/unloading noise at night...
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §92.05(B), (C), (F) prohibits vehicle exhaust noise from out-of-repair or modified vehicles, gong/siren on non-emergency vehicles, and any i...
Wake County, NC
Wake County treats cats the same as dogs under Ch. 91 — owners must vaccinate against rabies at 4 months and keep current tag displayed at all times per §91....
Wake County, NC
Wake County does NOT impose a numeric limit on pets in unincorporated areas. Cities vary: Raleigh allows up to 4 dogs/cats over 4 months per dwelling under §...
Wake County, NC
Wake County adopted the NC Fire Prevention Code (NCFC) under Code Ch. 72. Residential propane storage follows NCFC Chapter 61 and NFPA 58 — typical residenti...
Wake County, NC
Wake County Code §130.05 (adopted 11-9-2022, effective 12-9-2022) prohibits firearm discharge within 300 yards of any dwelling, school, church, warehouse, pl...
See how Wake County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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