Lighting Regulations in Cary, North Carolina: Balancing Growth, Safety, and Historical Character

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of the Research Triangle region, Cary has transformed from a small railroad town founded in 1871 to a thriving suburban community known for its high quality of life. The town's approach to development reflects a careful balance between modern growth and respect for historical roots, with over a dozen properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This commitment to balanced development is evident in Cary's lighting regulations, which aim to enhance safety and functionality while preserving the town's aesthetic character. Understanding these requirements is essential for property owners, developers, and businesses operating within Cary's jurisdiction.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Maximum Light Heights:
• 18 feet for non-cut-off lights
• 35 feet for cut-off lights (37 feet when raised foundations protect poles)
• Maximum Light Levels at Property Lines:
• Residential properties: 0.5 foot-candles
• Commercial/industrial properties: 2.5 foot-candles
• Edge of right-of-way: 2.5 foot-candles
• Parking Lot Requirements:
• Minimum light level: 0.2 foot-candles
• Average-to-minimum foot-candle ratio: maximum 4:1
• Measurements taken at ground level
• Placement Requirements:
• Minimum 10 feet from property lines
• Minimum 5 feet from right-of-way lines
• Canopy trees must be at least 20 feet from light poles

General Lighting Principles and Requirements

Purpose of Lighting Regulations

Cary's lighting regulations are designed with three primary objectives:

• Protect against light spillover to adjacent properties
• Prevent glare onto public rights-of-way that could impair driver vision
• Shield adjacent properties through vegetation, berms, walls, or specialized lighting design

Required Documentation

For most developments, Cary requires thorough planning and documentation:

• Lighting Plan Requirement: A point-by-point lighting plan showing foot-candles at grade is required for development plan approval
• Plans must conform to standards in the Community Appearance Manual
• The Planning Director may waive this requirement for projects under one acre if fixture types are specified

Exemptions

Single-unit attached and detached residential developments are exempt from the requirements of Section 7.9 of the town's lighting regulations.

Specific Lighting Standards by Application

Cut-Off Lighting Requirements

Cut-off lighting must be designed to direct light downward (such as shoe box style fixtures). This type of lighting helps minimize light pollution and glare while maintaining necessary illumination for safety.

Canopy Lighting Standards

For service stations and similar uses with canopies:

• Lighting fixtures must not project below the bottom of the canopy
• Illumination must not exceed an average of 12 foot-candles measured at ground level
• Decorative canopies over doors and windows cannot be internally lit

Wall Pack Lighting

• Must be fully shielded (true cut-off type)
• Bulb or light source should not be visible from off-site
• Should direct light vertically downward
• Preferably low wattage (100 watts or lower)

Sports Fields and Performance Areas

• All fixtures must have glare control packages (louvers, shields, etc.)
• Beams must be directed to fall within the primary playing/performance area
• Lighting may not operate more than one hour after the end of an event

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Sign Lighting Standards

• Lighting on permanent signs must be consistent throughout a project
• External illumination is allowed for most permanent signs
• Light must be directed only upon the sign face and architectural elements
• Illumination must prevent off-site glare

Cabinet Signs

For internally-illuminated cabinet signs on principal ground signs:

• Only sign text and logos may be illuminated
• Total logo area cannot exceed 20% of allowable sign area
• Background material must be opaque

Prohibited Sign Lighting

• Signs that obstruct or could be confused with traffic signals
• Highly reflective signs that generate contrast with surrounding areas
• Awning signs may only use direct surface lighting, not backlighting

Historic Considerations

Signs in National Register Historic Districts may retain their original lighting pattern and materials if they existed when the district was designated.

Nuisance Control and Performance Standards

Light as a Potential Nuisance

Cary's regulations specifically address lighting issues that could create nuisances:

• Direct or reflected glare from floodlights or high-temperature processes must not be visible at or beyond property lines
• Excessive night illumination is classified as a potential nuisance condition
• All uses must be conducted to avoid creating light-related nuisances

Enforcement

The Planning Director may require adequate control measures to protect public health, safety, and welfare from lighting-related nuisances.

Residential Property Requirements

For residential properties, lighting requirements are generally less stringent:

• Every habitable room must have adequate electrical outlets
• Bathrooms, water closets, laundry rooms, and furnace rooms require at least one ceiling or wall-type light fixture
• Multiple dwellings must have public halls and stairways adequately lighted by electric lights when natural daylight is insufficient

Commercial Property Lighting

Tow Storage Lots

• Must be secured and lighted to protect stored vehicles from break-ins or damage
• Must have surface lighting sufficient for nighttime business

Commercial Canopies

• Maximum illumination of 12 foot-candles measured at ground level
• Fixtures must not project below the bottom of the canopy

Supporting Cary's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the balance Cary seeks to maintain between modern development and historical preservation. As a manufacturer with deep experience in communities with historic character, we recognize the importance of lighting solutions that enhance safety while preserving community aesthetics.

Our team appreciates Cary's thoughtful approach to growth and development, particularly how lighting regulations help maintain the town's unique character while accommodating its expansion as part of the Research Triangle metropolitan area.

We're committed to serving as an educational resource for property owners and developers navigating lighting regulations, helping communities maintain their distinctive character while meeting modern needs. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting requirements positions us as a partner in preserving community aesthetics while ensuring compliance with local standards.

Conclusion

Cary's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balanced development, combining modern needs with respect for community character. These standards ensure adequate lighting for safety and functionality while preventing light pollution, glare, and visual nuisances.

Property owners should consult Cary's Community Appearance Manual for additional details and work with qualified lighting professionals to ensure compliance with these regulations. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to Cary's vision of a well-designed community that honors its past while embracing its future.