Lighting Regulations in Carolina Shores, North Carolina: Balancing Development and Natural Beauty

Introduction

Carolina Shores, a tranquil coastal community nestled in Brunswick County, North Carolina, may be young in terms of incorporation (established in 1998), but it sits within a region rich with history dating back to early English settlements in the 17th century. With approximately 3,200 residents, this close-knit community values the delicate balance between thoughtful development and natural preservation.

The town's lighting regulations reflect this philosophy, demonstrating Carolina Shores' commitment to maintaining its serene coastal character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. These carefully crafted lighting standards help minimize light pollution, preserve the area's natural beauty, and create a cohesive visual environment throughout the community.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Most Critical Requirements:

• Fixture Height Limits:
• Maximum 40 feet in parking lots
• Maximum 15 feet in pedestrian areas
• Maximum 15 feet when within 50 feet of residential property
• Light Containment:
• Fixtures must be mounted to contain light on-site
• Light must not cross property lines
• Fixtures must prevent upward light emission
• Illumination Levels:
• Perimeter illumination not to exceed 0.5 footcandles near residential areas
• Perimeter illumination not to exceed 1.0 footcandles in other areas
• Specific illumination levels vary by area type (see detailed section)
• Prohibited Elements:
• String lights outlining property lines or buildings (except holiday lighting)
• Beacons, spotlights, and stroboscopic lights
• Non-color corrected high-pressure sodium lamps

Lighting Plan Requirements

When Plans Are Required

Property developers and owners should be aware that lighting plans are mandatory components of the development approval process in Carolina Shores. This ensures that all new developments maintain the community's lighting standards.

Lighting plans are required for:

• All major site plans
• Minor and major subdivisions (must be approved by Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation)
• Engineering drawing submittal requirements

What Must Be Included

An effective lighting plan should clearly indicate:

• Types of lighting standards to be used
• Location of all lighting fixtures
• Radius of light distribution
• Intensity in footcandles as required by municipal code (§§ 91.170 through 91.177)

For sexually oriented businesses, applications must include a diagram showing the location of all overhead lighting fixtures capable of providing illumination of at least five footcandles at floor level throughout all patron areas.

Fixture Design and Placement Requirements

Light Fixture Standards

Carolina Shores places significant emphasis on fixture design to maintain aesthetic consistency while minimizing light pollution.

Essential fixture requirements:

• Light sources must be completely concealed behind opaque surfaces
• All fixtures must be recessed within opaque housing
• Light sources must not be visible from or shine at eye level into streets or adjoining properties
• Overhead lighting must prevent upward light emission
• Under-canopy lighting fixtures should be completely recessed

Fixture Height Restrictions

Maximum allowable heights:

• 40 feet - Within parking lots
• 15 feet - In non-vehicular pedestrian areas
• 15 feet - Within 50 feet of any residential use or property boundary

Preferred Light Sources

Carolina Shores has established preferences for light source types to ensure consistent quality of lighting throughout the community.

Acceptable light sources include:

• Incandescent
• Fluorescent
• Metal halide
• Color-corrected high-pressure sodium
• LEDs and fiber optics (with UDO Administrator approval if color is similar to preferred types)

Prohibited light sources:

• Non-color corrected high-pressure sodium lamps

Mounting Requirements

The way fixtures are mounted plays a critical role in preventing light trespass:

• Fixtures must be mounted so the cone of light is contained on-site
• Light must not cross any property line
• Sensor technologies and timers may be required to activate lighting only when needed

Illumination Level Standards

Carolina Shores has established specific illumination standards measured in footcandles (fc) for different areas within a development. These standards ensure adequate lighting for safety while preventing excessive brightness.

Area-Specific Illumination Levels

| Area Type | Minimum (fc) | Average (fc) | Maximum (fc) | |-----------|-------------|-------------|-------------| | Architectural lighting | 0.0 | 1.0 | 5.0 | | Canopy area lighting | 2.0 | 10.0 | 15.0 | | Multi-family parking lot | 0.2 | 1.0 | 8.0 | | Nonresidential/multi-family entrances | 1.0 | 5.0 | 15.0 | | Nonresidential parking lot | 0.2 | 1.5 | 10.0 | | Storage area (security lighting) | 0.2 | 1.0 | 10.0 | | Vehicle sales and display | 0.2 | 3.0 | 15.0 | | Walkways, landscape or decorative | 0.2 | 0.8 | 5.0 |

Perimeter Illumination Restrictions

To prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties, Carolina Shores enforces strict limits at property boundaries:

• When abutting residential zoning districts: Maximum 0.2 footcandles, never to exceed 0.5 footcandles
• When abutting other districts or streets: Maximum 0.5 footcandles, never to exceed 1.0 footcandles

Excessive Illumination Prohibitions

The regulations specifically prohibit:

• Lighting that unnecessarily illuminates and substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of other properties
• Lighting oriented to direct glare onto streets that may distract or interfere with driver vision
• Blinking or flashing lights (except for required safety features or permitted signage)

Sign Illumination Requirements

Allowable Illumination Methods

Carolina Shores permits both internal and external sign illumination, subject to specific restrictions:

External Illumination:

• Must not exceed 20 footcandles in intensity
• Must be designed and shielded to illuminate only the sign face
• Must not shine into alleys, road rights-of-way, or adjacent properties

Internal Illumination:

• Must not exceed 500 watts per side
• Must provide continuous, steady white light
• Colored lighting is prohibited
• No movement or illusion of movement in illumination
• Partially illuminated signs must not remain so for more than 15 consecutive days

Prohibited Sign Lighting

The regulations specifically prohibit:

• Flood lights not properly hooded or shielded (light source must not be visible)
• Signs that reflect or emit glaring light that impairs driver vision
• Signs that incorporate flashing lights (with limited exceptions)
• Illuminated tubing or string lights outlining property lines, rooflines, doors, windows, etc.
• All beacons, spotlights, search lights, and stroboscopic lights

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Recreational Facilities

Golf courses and driving ranges have specific requirements to prevent light disturbance:

• Lighting must be designed and installed to direct light away from roadways
• Lighting must not interfere with adjacent residential properties
• Lighting must not interfere with the safe use of public rights-of-way

Subdivisions

Street lighting requirements apply to certain residential developments:

• All subdivisions with lots smaller than 20,000 square feet must have street lights installed throughout
• Installation must comply with town standards and Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation requirements
• If underground wiring is requested, developers may need to install fixed items like conduit, pads, hand-holes, and pole foundations

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Where charging station equipment is installed, adequate site lighting should be provided unless charging is for daytime purposes only.

Non-Conforming Lighting and Exemptions

Existing Fixtures

• Lighting fixtures existing as of September 6, 2012, are considered non-conforming structures and may remain
• Any modifications, replacements, or expansions must conform to current standards

Temporary Exemptions

The following temporary lighting is exempt from these regulations:

• Outdoor lights used exclusively for events, recreational activities, concerts, plays, or other public events
• Such lighting must be located at least 50 feet from any adjoining residential district or use
• Exempt lighting should be designed to avoid intrusion on adjoining property
• Temporary lighting should only be illuminated during the event and high-traffic periods immediately before and after

Supporting Carolina Shores' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, appreciates the balance Carolina Shores seeks to maintain between functional lighting and preserving its natural coastal environment. As a manufacturer with decades of experience, we understand the unique lighting needs of coastal communities like Carolina Shores.

Our approach aligns with Carolina Shores' commitment to thoughtful development that respects the natural beauty of the coastal region. We recognize that good lighting design can enhance community character while minimizing light pollution that might interfere with the enjoyment of clear night skies.

Bock Lighting serves as a resource for property owners and developers seeking to navigate lighting regulations with fixtures that complement the community's aesthetic and functional needs. Our expertise in regional architectural styles helps ensure lighting solutions that feel appropriate to Carolina Shores' distinctive coastal character.

Our commitment extends beyond providing fixtures – we aim to support communities through education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices that preserve the special qualities that make places like Carolina Shores so appealing.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

If you're planning new construction or renovations in Carolina Shores, consider these practical steps:

1. Start early: Include lighting considerations in your initial planning stage
2. Consult professionals: Work with lighting designers familiar with Carolina Shores' requirements
3. Focus on containment: Ensure your lighting plan prevents light from spilling onto neighboring properties
4. Consider timers and sensors: These can reduce energy use while ensuring lighting is available when needed
5. Request a pre-review: Ask town officials to review your lighting plan before final submission

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners often encounter challenges with:

• Light trespass: Inadequately shielded fixtures allowing light to spill onto neighboring properties
• Excessive brightness: Fixtures that exceed maximum illumination levels
• Improper mounting: Incorrect placement or height of fixtures
• Inconsistent lighting types: Using different light sources throughout a project

Conclusion

Carolina Shores' lighting regulations reflect the community's dedication to thoughtful development that preserves its coastal character and natural beauty. By establishing clear standards for fixture design, height, illumination levels, and light containment, these regulations help ensure that lighting enhances public safety and aesthetics without creating light pollution or nuisance.

Property owners and developers who familiarize themselves with these requirements early in the planning process will find it easier to create lighting designs that comply with regulations while meeting their functional needs. The result is a cohesive community appearance that respects both neighboring properties and the natural environment that makes Carolina Shores special.