Lighting Regulations in Johnston County, North Carolina: Preserving Rural Character While Ensuring Safety and Functionality

Introduction: Johnston County's Lighting Philosophy

Johnston County, established in 1746 and named after Gabriel Johnston, the royal governor of North Carolina, boasts a rich historical legacy that shapes its approach to development and regulation today. Positioned uniquely in the "fall zone" between North Carolina's Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions, the county features a distinctive landscape that residents have worked to preserve over generations.

The county's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining the character of its communities while ensuring safety and functionality. From the county seat of Smithfield, established with its courthouse in 1771, to the rural areas that preserve the county's agricultural heritage, Johnston County's approach to lighting balances modern needs with historical preservation.

Quick Reference Guide to Johnston County Lighting Regulations

For property owners and developers seeking to comply with Johnston County's lighting regulations, here are the key requirements to know:

• General Principle: Outdoor lighting must be nonglaring on adjacent properties and designed to be "dark sky" focused
• Light Trespass Control: Direct illumination must not fall upon land not covered by the applicable permit
• Mobile Home Park Requirements: Street lights must be minimum 175-watt mercury vapor (7,000 lumen class) spaced no more than 300 feet apart
• Sign Illumination: Various restrictions based on sign type and location (see detailed section below)
• Interstate Highway Areas: Special shielding requirements to prevent direct glare visible from highways
• Home Occupations: No lighting that creates glare detectable off the property

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Definition and Purpose

Johnston County defines outdoor lighting as "any lighting source designed to illuminate or aesthetically enhance a building, parking, sign, or storage area." This definition helps frame the county's approach to regulating different types of exterior lighting.

Dark Sky Principles

A key requirement for outdoor lighting in Johnston County is that it must be:

• Nonglaring on adjacent properties
• "Dark sky" focused so as not to exceed the building parapet
• Designed to prevent direct illumination from falling on land not covered by the application or permit

Subdivision Lighting Requirements

For major subdivisions, Johnston County requires:

• Street lighting systems that ensure property security and personal safety
• Sufficient illumination at principal entrances to developments
• Appropriate lighting of internal areas for resident safety and building security

Specific Lighting Standards for Different Uses

Mobile Home Park Lighting

Mobile home parks have some of the most specific lighting requirements in Johnston County's regulations:

• All streets in mobile home parks must be "adequately illuminated"
• Minimum fixture specification: 175-watt mercury vapor (approximately 7,000 lumen class)
• Maximum spacing: Lights must be placed at intervals not exceeding 300 feet
• Intersection requirement: Lights must be placed at each street intersection
• Park identification signs: Only indirect, nonflashing lighting is permitted

Interstate Highway Interchange District

Properties in the Interstate Highway Interchange District must follow special lighting requirements:

• All outdoor lighting must be shielded to prevent direct glare from being visible from interstate highways and approach streets
• This helps maintain traffic safety by preventing distraction to drivers

Home Occupation Restrictions

For home-based businesses, Johnston County prohibits:

• Any equipment or process that creates glare detectable to normal senses outside the property boundaries
• This restriction helps maintain residential character and prevent nuisances

Sign Illumination Standards

Johnston County has detailed regulations for sign lighting that vary by sign type and location:

Residential Areas

• Home occupation signs cannot be illuminated under any circumstances
• Signs in residential districts may be illuminated if:
• Illumination levels are low
• All fixtures are concealed
• Spillover of light is minimal

Commercial Signs

• Window signs may be illuminated using:
• Neon
• Internal lighting
• Backlighting to silhouette letters and figures
• External illumination from concealed fixtures
• LED lighting is specifically prohibited for window signs
• Wall/fascia signs may be illuminated through:
• Backlighting to silhouette letters and figures
• Floodlighting from concealed fixtures angled to prevent direct view of the light source
• Freestanding signs may use:
• Internal illumination
• External illumination from concealed fixtures angled to prevent direct view of light sources

General Sign Lighting Prohibitions

Johnston County prohibits:

• Flashing, intermittent, or moving lights on signs
• Illumination that causes glare or impairs driver vision on highways
• Lighting that interferes with official traffic signs, devices, or signals
• Adding illumination to nonconforming signs

Specialized Lighting Considerations

Wireless Telecommunications Facilities

Telecommunications towers and facilities have specific lighting requirements:

• Facilities shall not be artificially lighted except as required by federal regulations
• If lighting is legally required, applicants must provide plans for lighting that is as unobtrusive as possible while meeting regulations
• Technology must be used that prevents "ground scatter effect" so light is visible from the air (for aircraft safety) but minimizes visibility from the ground
• All lighting must comply with FAA and FCC regulations
• When facilities are modified, the county may require retrofitting with newer lighting technologies

Airport-Related Lighting

For structures near airports that exceed height requirements:

• Owners may be required to permit installation of markers and lights necessary for aircraft safety
• These markers and lights may be installed at the expense of the county airport authority or the property owner, depending on the circumstances

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing property in Johnston County, lighting considerations should be addressed early in the planning process:

• Include lighting plans in your site plan submissions
• For special events or temporary uses, include detailed lighting plans if night activity is planned
• Remember that landscape areas should be designed to minimize glare of lights
• Consider how your lighting will impact neighboring properties

Understanding Enforcement

Johnston County's lighting regulations are designed to:

• Preserve the rural and small-town character of the community
• Prevent nuisance conditions for neighbors
• Ensure safety and security
• Maintain dark skies where possible
• Prevent driver distraction on roadways

Compliance with these regulations is typically verified during the permitting process and through inspections.

Supporting Johnston County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation. We appreciate Johnston County's commitment to maintaining its unique character while ensuring safe, functional lighting for its communities.

As lighting professionals with experience in communities similar to Johnston County, we understand the challenges of meeting regulatory requirements while respecting historical context. The county's blend of rural landscapes and small-town charm requires thoughtful lighting approaches that enhance safety without compromising character.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for property owners seeking to align their lighting plans with Johnston County's vision. We share the county's commitment to minimizing light pollution and preserving the visibility of night skies—a value increasingly important in growing communities.

For Johnston County residents and businesses navigating lighting regulations, education and community resources play a vital role. We're committed to supporting communities through information sharing and lighting solutions that respect local character and regulations.

Conclusion

Johnston County's lighting regulations reflect its unique character and values. From its establishment in 1746 to today, the county has balanced growth with preservation of its historical and natural heritage. The lighting standards outlined above help maintain this balance by ensuring that illumination serves its functional purpose without creating nuisances or detracting from community character.

Whether you're developing a subdivision, operating a business, or simply improving your property, understanding these lighting regulations will help you contribute to Johnston County's vision for its communities. By following these guidelines, you'll help preserve the character that makes Johnston County special while ensuring safety and functionality for all residents.

Remember that lighting requirements may be updated over time, so it's always advisable to check with county planning officials for the most current regulations before making significant lighting investments on your property.