North Carolina Light Trespass and Nuisance Common Law

North Carolina has no comprehensive statewide outdoor lighting statute. Light trespass claims rely on common law private nuisance principles requiring substantial and unreasonable interference with property enjoyment. State outdoor advertising rules under N.C.G.S. 136-129 limit billboard illumination intensity and movement. Local governments retain broad authority under N.C.G.S. 160D to adopt lighting standards, including dark sky and shielding requirements.

Successful nuisance suits can yield injunctive relief, monetary damages, and required modification or shielding of offending lighting fixtures.