Lighting Regulations in Asheville, North Carolina: Balancing Historic Charm with Modern Standards

Introduction: Illuminating Asheville's Character

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina has long been celebrated for its distinctive architectural heritage and natural beauty. Since its incorporation in 1797, the city has evolved from a small trading post along the Buncombe Turnpike to a vibrant hub of culture and tourism. The "Roaring 20s" left an indelible mark on Asheville's skyline with landmarks like the Biltmore Estate, Jackson Building, and Grove Arcade.

Today, Asheville's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its unique character while ensuring public safety and environmental responsibility. These carefully crafted standards help maintain Asheville's historic charm while reducing light pollution that would otherwise obscure views of the starry mountain skies.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Key requirements for property owners:

• Fixture Type: Full cutoff fixtures required for most applications
• Light Trespass: Maximum 0.5 footcandles at any property line
• LED Temperature: Maximum 4,300K correlated color temperature
• Fixture Height: Maximum 37 feet for pole-mounted lights
• Prohibited Types: Flood lights, unshielded accent lighting, and internally illuminated wall panels
• Residential Limits: Maximum 6,500 fixture lumens in residential districts
• Non-residential Limits: Maximum 20,000 fixture lumens in commercial areas
• Direction: All lighting must be directed downward (with limited exceptions)

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Purpose and Goals

Asheville's outdoor lighting standards were established with several specific goals in mind:

• Protecting and improving safe travel for all modes of transportation
• Reducing light pollution, light trespass, glare, and unnecessary high light levels
• Promoting energy-efficient lighting practices and systems
• Maintaining and improving nighttime aesthetics, including preservation of the night sky

Applicability and Scope

These lighting regulations apply to all outdoor lighting fixtures established after November 25, 2008, including:

• New development requiring Level I, II, or III site plan review
• New residential lighting for one- and two-family dwelling units
• All new street lighting (private and public)
• New outdoor lighting systems as part of existing commercial, industrial, or multi-family installations

Measurement Standards

Compliance with lighting standards is verified through precise measurement techniques:

• Light measurements are taken at property lines
• Readings are made at ground level with the meter parallel to the ground
• Meters must have cosine and color correction with accuracy tolerance of ±5%
• Meters must be calibrated within two years of measurement
• All values are maintained footcandles

Technical Specifications for Different Applications

Residential Areas

Asheville's regulations provide clear guidance for residential lighting:

• Maximum Lumens: 6,500 fixture lumens
• Security Lights: Must be full cutoff with maximum 9,500 lumens
• Post-Mounted Lawn Luminaires:
• Maximum output of 1,000 lumens
• Must use translucent lens covering the light source
• Post height cannot exceed 8 feet above finished grade
• Setback Requirements: Security lighting may encroach into required rear or side interior setbacks but must be at least 3 feet from any lot line

Commercial and Public Areas

Requirements for non-residential properties include:

• Maximum Lumens: 20,000 fixture lumens
• Light Level for Open Parking: Minimum of 0.2 footcandles, with uniformity ratio of 4:1
• Vehicular Canopies: Maximum 20 maintained footcandles average
• Outdoor Display Areas: Maximum average of 20 maintained footcandles
• Maximum Height: 37 feet for pole-mounted lights (14 feet in some specific areas)

Special Districts and Uses

Historic Districts

Lighting in historic districts must carefully balance modern standards with historic character:

• Full cut-off fixtures are generally required
• Semi-cutoff and cutoff decorative post-mounted fixtures (18-foot height or less) are permitted when required by district design guidelines
• All changes to exterior lighting in historic districts require a certificate of appropriateness

Head of Montford Transition Overlay District

• Maximum Height: 12 feet for lighting fixtures
• Direction: Fixtures must be shielded and directed away from adjoining residential properties and street right-of-way

Sports Fields and Performance Areas

• Maximum Height: 90 feet for sports fields and performance areas; 50 feet for sports courts
• Fixture Requirements: Must include glare control package (louvers, shields)
• Direction: Beams must be directed to fall within primary playing or performance area
• Hours: Lighting must be turned off within one hour after event ends
• Maximum Lumens: 38,600 for sports courts; 121,000 for sports fields
• Color Temperature: Maximum 4,300K for sports courts; 5,700K for sports fields

Prohibited Lighting Types

Asheville specifically prohibits certain lighting types to maintain its aesthetic character and reduce light pollution:

• Flood lights are expressly prohibited
• Unshielded accent building mounted luminous tube lighting (neon, LED, fluorescent)
• Internally illuminated wall panels
• Lighting of angled building surfaces (roof pitches)
• Lighting that could be confused for traffic control devices
• Upward-oriented lighting (with limited exceptions)
• Search lights and laser source lights
• Blinking, flashing, moving, or color-changing lights (except for seasonal displays)

Sign Illumination Requirements

Asheville carefully regulates the illumination of signs to maintain the city's character:

Permitted Illumination by Sign Type

• Allowed Internal and External: Canopy Signs, Monument Signs, Wall Signs
• External Only: Crown Signs, Projecting Signs, Post Signs
• No Illumination Permitted: Awning Signs, Window Signs, A-Frame Signs

Illumination Standards

• Lighting directed toward signs must be shielded to illuminate only the sign face
• Light fixtures must be directed downward rather than upward
• Projecting light fixtures must be simple and unobtrusive
• For internally lit cabinet signs, the background must be opaque or darker than the message
• Channel letters may be internally lit or back-lit

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance and Permits

Property owners should be aware of these key compliance requirements:

• All new outdoor lighting must comply with the regulations as outlined
• Permits for outdoor lighting work require documentation showing compliance
• For Level III projects, a point-by-point footcandle array in printout format is required
• Existing lighting installed before November 25, 2008 was given a five-year grace period for compliance
• Routine maintenance of existing fixtures is permitted

Light Trespass Solutions

If your lighting installation causes light trespass due to land elevations, the city may request:

• Installation of shields on fixtures
• Changed aiming of offending fixtures
• Changed location or mounting height of poles
• Changed light distribution pattern
• Removal of offending poles and fixtures

Supporting Asheville's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Asheville's commitment to preserving its unique architectural character while ensuring safety and functionality through thoughtful lighting standards. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we recognize the delicate balance between honoring historic aesthetics and meeting modern lighting needs.

We share Asheville's values of reducing light pollution while maintaining the city's distinctive charm and mountain views. Our experience with historic districts throughout the region has given us insight into the challenges property owners face when navigating complex lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting serves as a resource for understanding how lighting choices impact both compliance and community character. We're committed to supporting Asheville's vision of thoughtful illumination that enhances rather than detracts from the city's renowned architectural landscape.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Asheville's goals of preserving dark skies while ensuring safe, functional spaces for residents and visitors alike.

Conclusion

Asheville's lighting regulations reflect the city's dedication to preserving its historic character and natural beauty while ensuring public safety and environmental responsibility. By carefully balancing technical requirements with aesthetic considerations, these standards help maintain Asheville's unique charm while reducing light pollution.

For property owners, understanding these regulations is essential when planning lighting installations or upgrades. By following these carefully crafted guidelines, you're contributing to the preservation of Asheville's distinctive nighttime character and helping maintain the quality of life that makes this mountain city so special.

Whether you're illuminating a historic structure downtown or adding security lighting to a residential property, these regulations provide a framework for lighting that respects both the city's heritage and its future.