Lighting Regulations in Fairmont, North Carolina: Balancing History, Safety, and Community Character

Quick Reference Guide to Fairmont's Lighting Requirements

• Outdoor Lighting Direction: Must be directed away from adjacent properties and roadways
• Light Trespass: No glare permitted beyond property boundaries
• Cutoff Requirements: All outdoor lighting shall have a total cutoff at 90 degrees
• Advertising Sign Illumination: Top-mounted fixtures only, fully shielded, with wattage under 41 watts
• Recreational Facility Lighting: Must use fully shielded fixtures with sharp cut-off capability
• Manufactured Home Parks: Require 175-watt mercury vapor lights (~7,000 lumens) at maximum 300-foot intervals
• Residential Requirements: All dwellings must have proper electrical wiring for lighting

Introduction: Fairmont's Lighting Heritage

Fairmont, North Carolina, a small town of approximately 2,600 residents in Robeson County, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Originally known as Ashpole (named after nearby Ashpole Swamp), the town was renamed Fairmont in 1899 as it developed alongside the railroad industry and became a hub for tobacco production.

The Fairmont Commercial Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases early 20th-century architecture that reflects the town's prosperous past. This historical connection has significantly influenced the town's approach to development regulations, including those governing lighting.

Fairmont's lighting regulations aim to balance modern safety requirements with preservation of the town's historical character and small-town charm. These regulations reflect community values focused on maintaining architectural heritage while ensuring appropriate lighting for safety and functionality.

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Fairmont's code establishes clear requirements for interior lighting to ensure safety and functionality:

• Every public hall and stairway in multiple dwellings must be adequately illuminated by electric lights when natural light is insufficient
• All electrical fixtures, receptacles, and wiring must be maintained safely according to Electrical Code standards
• Every habitable room requires at least two electrical receptacles
• Bathrooms, water closet rooms, laundry rooms, and furnace rooms must have at least one ceiling or wall light fixture
• If habitable rooms lack wall/ceiling fixtures, they must have at least three electrical receptacles

Electrical Safety Requirements

The town emphasizes electrical safety in all dwellings:

• All fixtures and electrical equipment must remain in good repair
• Installations must comply with the Electrical Code
• All dwellings must be properly wired for electric lights and convenience receptacles

Outdoor Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Fairmont's outdoor lighting regulations focus on minimizing light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination:

• Light must be directed away from adjacent properties and roadways
• No light may produce glare beyond the boundary of the property
• All outdoor lighting shall have a total cutoff at 90 degrees
• Light trespass (light shining beyond property boundaries) is prohibited

Technical Lighting Definitions

The town code provides specific definitions to ensure clarity:

• Direct Light: Light emitted directly from the lamp, reflector, or through a lens
• Flood/Spot Light: Fixtures that concentrate light in a particular direction
• Fully-Shielded Lights: Fixtures where no light rays are emitted above the horizontal plane
• Glare: Light intensity sufficient to reduce visibility or cause momentary blindness
• Lumen: Unit of luminous flux (1 foot-candle equals 1 lumen per square foot)
• Temporary Outdoor Lighting: Illumination for less than 7 days, with at least 180 days between uses

Sign Illumination Regulations

Residential and Commercial Sign Lighting

Sign illumination varies by sign type and location:

• Manufactured Home Park Signs: Only indirect, non-flashing white lighting permitted
• Real Estate Signs: No illumination allowed
• Professional/Home Occupation Signs: No illumination permitted in residential districts
• Bulletin Boards: In residential districts, only white, non-flashing lights allowed
• Subdivision Development Signs: Only indirect white illumination permitted

Advertising Sign Requirements

The town has detailed regulations for advertising signs (§ 154.217):

• Mounting: Only top-mounted lighting fixtures permitted; bottom-mounted lighting prohibited
• Shielding: All fixtures must be fully shielded to prevent light trespass
• Aiming: Flood/spot lamps must be aimed no higher than 45° above straight down
• Wattage: Total lamp wattage per property must be less than 41 watts (unless using dark backgrounds)
• Hours: Electrical illumination prohibited between 11:00 PM and sunrise
• Design Preference: Dark backgrounds with light lettering/symbols are preferred

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Manufactured Home Parks

Manufactured home parks have specific lighting standards:

• All streets must be adequately illuminated from sunset to sunrise
• Minimum Fixture Specification: 175-watt mercury vapor lights (approximately 7,000 lumens)
• Spacing: Light fixtures must be placed at intervals not exceeding 300 feet
• Underground electrical and street lighting lines are encouraged where feasible
• Park identification signs (maximum two) may use only indirect, non-flashing lighting

Recreational Facilities

For sports fields and other recreational facilities:

• All event lighting fixtures must be fully shielded or have sharp cut-off capability
• Events should be scheduled to complete all activity before or near 10:30 PM when practical

Campgrounds

Campground lighting must meet these requirements:

• All common areas must have adequate lighting
• Sanitary facilities, dumping areas, water faucets, and service buildings must be lit at night
• Illuminated walkways are required to water and sanitary facilities
• Lighting must be provided at roadway and driveway intersections

Solar Energy Systems

When lighting is used at solar energy systems:

• Shielding: Lighting must be shielded and downcast to prevent spillage onto adjacent parcels
• Control: Motion sensor control is preferred
• Light must not spill onto adjacent properties or into the night sky

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Checklist

When installing or modifying lighting systems, property owners should ensure:

• Light fixtures are directed inward toward the property
• All outdoor lighting has proper shielding to prevent upward light pollution
• No light causes glare beyond property boundaries
• Sign illumination meets specific requirements for the sign type and location
• Proper wattage and illumination levels are maintained

Planning for New Installations

When planning new lighting installations:

• Consult Municipal Code: Refer to §§ 154.215 through 154.218 for complete outdoor lighting requirements
• Consider Neighbors: Position lights to avoid disturbing adjacent properties
• Choose Appropriate Fixtures: Select fully-shielded fixtures with the proper cutoff angles
• Document Compliance: Keep records of your lighting specifications to demonstrate compliance

Supporting Fairmont's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with historic preservation. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer, we appreciate communities like Fairmont that value their architectural heritage and seek lighting solutions that enhance rather than detract from community character.

Our experience with historical districts throughout the region has given us insight into how appropriate lighting can complement architectural styles while meeting modern safety and efficiency standards. We recognize Fairmont's commitment to preserving its small-town charm and historical aesthetics, particularly in the Commercial Historic District.

Bock Lighting shares Fairmont's values regarding responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution while providing adequate illumination. We're dedicated to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through lighting that respects local regulations and enhances community spaces.

As a resource for understanding lighting regulations, we can help property owners navigate technical requirements while honoring the town's preservation goals. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Fairmont's vision for balanced development that respects both history and progress.

Conclusion

Fairmont's lighting regulations reflect the town's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring public safety and functionality. By directing light appropriately, controlling glare, and specifying appropriate fixtures, these regulations help maintain Fairmont's small-town charm and protect its architectural heritage.

Property owners play a crucial role in supporting these community standards through thoughtful lighting choices that comply with local regulations. Well-designed lighting not only meets code requirements but enhances property values and contributes to the town's distinctive character.

For complete details on specific lighting requirements, property owners should consult Fairmont's municipal code sections 154.215 through 154.218 or contact town officials for guidance on particular projects.