Lighting Regulations in Harnett County, North Carolina: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Harnett County, established in 1855 and named after Revolutionary War figure Cornelius Harnett, embodies its motto "Strong Roots, New Growth" through thoughtful development policies. With a growing population of approximately 130,000 residents, the county carefully balances preserving its rich historical character while accommodating modern needs and safety standards.

The county's lighting regulations reflect this balanced approach—designed to ensure adequate illumination for safety while preventing light pollution that could detract from the area's historical charm and rural character. These standards help maintain the distinctive atmosphere that has characterized Harnett County since its early settlers arrived in the mid-1720s.

Quick Reference Guide: Critical Lighting Requirements

• Maximum Height: 35 feet for standard outdoor lighting; 80 feet for athletic fields
• Minimum Street Lighting: 7,000 lumen class fixtures required
• Spacing Requirements:
• 300 feet maximum for residential areas
• 200 feet maximum for non-residential subdivisions
• Fixture Types: Must use metal halide or LED bulbs for outdoor fixtures
• Electronic Signs: Maximum 5,000 nits daytime, 500 nits nighttime
• Prohibited Features: Uplighting (with limited exceptions), exposed neon, flashing lights

General Lighting Standards

Safety Without Glare

Harnett County's core lighting philosophy is straightforward: provide minimum necessary lighting for safety without creating excessive glare. All exterior lighting must be installed to protect streets and neighboring properties from direct glare or hazardous interference of any kind.

Application Requirements

Applications for site plans, non-residential special use permits, and major subdivisions must include detailed lighting information, including:

• Location of all fixtures
• Type of lighting proposed
• Height specifications
• Lumen output of all proposed and existing fixtures

Fixture Positioning Requirements

Proper positioning is critical for compliance:

• Downward Direction: All flood lights must be aimed down at least 45 degrees from vertical
• Cutoff Design: Wall pack fixtures must be "cutoff fixtures" to prevent light scatter
• Shielding: Lighting must be located to prevent direct glare onto adjacent property or into public rights-of-way

Residential Lighting Requirements

Subdivisions and Street Lighting

In major subdivisions, adequate lighting must illuminate rights-of-way, common driveways, walkways, and dead-end streets to ensure safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians at night.

• Minimum Requirements: 7,000 lumen class fixtures or equivalent
• Spacing Guidelines:
• Maximum 300 feet between fixtures in residential subdivisions
• Must begin at subdivision entrance
• Special Materials Note: High-pressure sodium fixtures are permitted only within residential subdivisions

Manufactured Home Parks

Manufactured home parks have specific requirements:

• Minimum Fixture: 175-watt Mercury-vapor (approximately 7,000 lumen class) or equivalent
• Maximum Spacing: 300 feet between fixtures
• Coverage Requirements: Must adequately illuminate streets, common driveways, and walkways

Commercial and Special Use Lighting

Self-Storage Facilities

• Minimum Requirement: 175-watt mercury-vapor lighting (approximately 7,000 lumen class)
• Maximum Spacing: 300 feet between fixtures

Swimming Pools

Any lighting associated with swimming pools must be:

• Shielded or located to avoid adversely affecting adjoining property
• Positioned to not impair visibility on adjacent streets, roads, or highways

Athletic Fields

• Private Athletic Fields: No lighting permitted
• Commercial/Public Fields: Maximum height of 80 feet
• Hours Restriction: Lighting systems must be turned off within one hour after the end of events

Repossession Storage Facilities

Lighting must be specifically oriented to prevent projection onto adjoining property or rights-of-way.

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

• Shielding Required: Display lighting must be shielded to prevent direction of light into residential areas or toward vehicles
• No Movement: Intermittent lighting effects are prohibited
• Permissible Illumination: Signs may be lighted internally with glass or plastic faces bearing advertisements
• Special Allowances: Exposed bulbs not exceeding 15 watts each are permitted

Electronic Display Signs

• Brightness Control:
• Maximum 5,000 nits during daylight hours
• Maximum 500 nits between dusk and dawn
• Automatic Dimming: Must include automatic dimmer control for transition from day to night settings
• Content Limitations:
• No video display or motion effects
• No fluctuating or flashing illumination

Prohibited Features

The following are expressly prohibited:

• Flame as a light source
• Exposed neon lighting
• Flashing or intermittent lighting devices (with limited exceptions for time/temperature displays)

Tower and Antenna Lighting

FAA Compliance with Minimalist Approach

Tower lighting has specific requirements balancing safety and visual impact:

• Must not exceed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) minimum standards
• Any required lighting must use minimum intensity and minimum number of flashes per minute
• Dual lighting standards are required; strobe lights prohibited unless specifically required by FAA
• Lights must be oriented to prevent projection onto surrounding property
• Ground-level security lighting must comply with dark sky lighting standards

Special Lighting Situations

Sensor-Activated Lighting

• May be unshielded if located to prevent glare onto other properties
• Must automatically turn off within five minutes after activation ceases
• Cannot be triggered by activity off the property

Flagpole Lighting

• Upward lighting permitted for governmental flags only
• Maximum output of 1,300 lumens
• Flags recommended to be taken down at sunset to avoid lighting need

Alternative Lighting Plans

The Planning Board may approve alternative lighting standard plans if they:

• Provide equal or better lighting in terms of height, spacing, and safety
• Meet the general intent of the lighting regulations
• Appropriately balance safety needs with aesthetic considerations

Supporting Harnett County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique challenges communities like Harnett County face in balancing growth with preservation of historical character. Our experience working with communities that value their historical heritage has given us insight into how lighting can enhance rather than detract from a community's distinctive identity.

We appreciate Harnett County's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that reflect its motto "Strong Roots, New Growth." Just as the county seeks to honor its past while embracing its future, Bock Lighting designs products that respect traditional architectural styles while incorporating modern technology and efficiency standards.

As a resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, we're committed to helping property owners and developers understand how to meet both the letter and spirit of local requirements. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a partner in maintaining the character that makes Harnett County special.

Conclusion

Harnett County's lighting regulations thoughtfully balance safety needs with preservation of the area's historical character and rural charm. By specifying fixture types, illumination levels, and placement standards, these regulations help ensure that new development enhances rather than detracts from the county's unique identity.

For property owners, understanding these regulations before beginning projects can save time and resources while contributing to the community's vision for managed growth that respects its historical roots. As Harnett County continues to grow, these lighting standards will help ensure that it remains a community where history and progress illuminate each other.