Lighting Regulations in Claremont, North Carolina: Balancing Small-Town Charm with Modern Standards

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Churches in Residential & B-1 Districts: Exterior lighting must be directed or screened to protect privacy of adjacent residential properties
• Outdoor Recreation Areas: Lighting cannot shine directly into residential yards or windows
• Home Occupations: Cannot use equipment producing glare outside the dwelling
• Illuminated Signs: Must comply with NC State Electrical Code and use underground electrical sources
• Sign Illumination: Must prevent light from casting onto adjacent properties, public right-of-way, or night sky
• Wireless Towers: Cannot be artificially lighted except as required by federal regulations

Introduction: Claremont's Approach to Lighting

Nestled in Catawba County, the small city of Claremont, North Carolina embodies a thoughtful balance between preserving historical character and embracing modern development. Originally known as "Charlotte Crossing," the city was renamed after a suggestion by Frank Cannon of the Southern Railroad, inspired by a personal acquaintance named Clare.

With approximately 1,400 residents, Claremont has developed lighting regulations that reflect its community values: maintaining small-town charm while addressing practical needs of a growing community. Though modest in scope compared to larger municipalities, these regulations aim to prevent light pollution and nuisance while ensuring safety and functionality.

The lighting requirements found throughout Claremont's code demonstrate the city's commitment to preserving quality of life for residents while accommodating necessary development.

Residential Area Protections

Preventing Light Intrusion

Claremont's code places particular emphasis on protecting residential areas from unwanted light intrusion. Several specific provisions address this concern:

• Church Lighting: Churches in R-1, R-2, and B-1 Districts must have exterior lighting directed or screened to protect the privacy of adjacent residential properties and their associated open spaces
• Recreational Lighting: Outdoor lighting for active recreation areas cannot shine directly into residential yards or windows
• Home Occupation Restrictions: Home-based businesses cannot use equipment that produces glare outside the dwelling or accessory structure

Operational Hours for Outdoor Recreation

To further protect residential tranquility, hours of operation for outdoor recreation facilities are restricted to between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. for uses located in or abutting residential districts.

General Nuisance Prevention

The code broadly states that proposed uses must not constitute a nuisance to properties in residential districts with respect to light, alongside other factors like noise and traffic.

Sign Illumination Standards

Technical Requirements

The city's signage regulations include several important lighting-related provisions:

• Electrical Compliance: All illuminated signs must be installed according to the North Carolina State Electrical Code
• Underground Power: Detached signs must be illuminated by underground electrical sources
• Light Control: Signs must be designed to prevent direct or reflected light from being cast upon:
• Adjacent properties
• Public right-of-way
• The night sky

Special Signage Considerations

Additional sign illumination regulations include:

• Master Sign Programs: Required for large developments (10+ acres), hospitals, institutional complexes, and large cultural/civic/recreational facilities
• Time/Temperature Signs: These are the only type of flashing signs permitted
• Nonconforming Signs: Illumination cannot be added to any nonconforming sign

Wireless Telecommunications Facilities

Lighting Limitations

Claremont's code contains detailed provisions regarding lighting for telecommunications towers:

• General Prohibition: Wireless telecommunications facilities shall not be artificially lighted or marked, except when required by federal regulations
• Federal Compliance: Must adhere to FAA regulations regarding height and lighting
• Lighting Plans: If lighting is legally required, applicants must provide a detailed plan for lighting that is as unobtrusive as possible under state and federal regulations

Special Technology Requirements

For facilities requiring aviation lighting:

• Ground Scatter Prevention: Lighting must use technology that prevents ground scatter effect
• Visibility Constraints: Light must not be visible from the ground to a height of at least twelve degrees vertical for a minimum distance of one mile in level terrain
• FAA Compliance: Any light-shielding device must comply with FAA regulations
• Retrofitting Requirements: Modified facilities may be required to retrofit with this technology

Residential Building Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

The code specifies minimum lighting requirements for residential structures:

• Basic Wiring: Every dwelling unit must be wired for electrical lights and convenience receptacles
• Bathroom & Utility Lighting: Every bathroom, water closet room, laundry room, and furnace room must have at least one ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture
• Multiple Dwellings: Public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted by electric lights when natural daylight is insufficient
• Maintenance Standards: All fixtures, receptacles, equipment, and wiring must be maintained in good repair, safe, usable, and installed per the State Electrical Code

Transit Shelter Lighting

Planning Requirements

For transit shelters constructed by entities other than the City of Claremont, schematic plans must include details about any lighting features along with other public convenience or safety features.

Supporting Claremont's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we appreciate the thoughtful approach Claremont has taken to balance modern lighting needs with preserving its small-town character. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of respecting community values while providing effective lighting solutions.

Our experience working with smaller municipalities has given us insight into the unique challenges faced by communities like Claremont that seek to maintain their distinctive character while addressing practical lighting needs. We're committed to providing educational resources about lighting regulations and helping property owners navigate compliance requirements.

Bock Lighting shares Claremont's commitment to reducing light pollution and preventing nuisance lighting, particularly in residential areas. Our focus on appropriate lighting design aligns with the city's emphasis on directing light where it's needed without spillover into neighboring properties.

We value being a resource for communities seeking to enhance their lighting while preserving their unique character and meeting local regulations.

Conclusion: Navigating Claremont's Lighting Requirements

Claremont's lighting regulations, while not extensive, focus primarily on preventing nuisance lighting that could affect residential areas. The emphasis on directing light appropriately, preventing spillover into residential properties, and controlling sign illumination reflects the city's commitment to maintaining quality of life for residents.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements for directing exterior lighting away from residential properties, especially for churches, recreational facilities, and businesses. Sign illumination requires compliance with electrical codes and measures to prevent light trespass.

By understanding and following these lighting requirements, residents and businesses can contribute to Claremont's vision of a community that respects its small-town character while addressing modern lighting needs.