Lighting Regulations in Kenly, North Carolina: Preserving Rural Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled in eastern North Carolina, the town of Kenly has a rich history dating back to 1885 when the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad purchased land to establish what would become a charming community. Named after a beloved railway official, Kenly's character has been shaped by its railroad origins and agricultural roots.

As Kenly has developed over the years, the town has maintained a careful balance between preserving its historical character and implementing regulations that ensure safety and functionality for residents and businesses. The town's lighting regulations reflect this careful approach, aiming to provide adequate illumination while respecting Kenly's rural ambiance and agricultural heritage.

Quick Reference Guide

Critical Lighting Requirements

• Street Lighting: 175-watt or equivalent fixtures (approximately 7000 lumens), spaced no more than 400 feet apart
• Residential Requirements: All dwellings must have electrical lighting and proper receptacles
• Sign Illumination: No illuminated signs in residential districts; time restrictions near residential areas
• Light Pollution Control: Fixtures must be designed to prevent light trespass and unnecessary glare
• Commercial Areas: Parking areas require lighting during nighttime hours of operation
• Security Lighting: Must be shielded and directed away from residential properties

Residential Lighting Requirements

Basic Requirements for All Dwellings

Every home in Kenly must meet basic lighting standards for safety and functionality. These requirements ensure that all living spaces have adequate illumination and electrical access.

Minimum Dwelling Requirements:

• Every dwelling must be wired for electric lights and convenience receptacles
• All habitable rooms must have at least 2 floor- or wall-type electric receptacles
• If a habitable room lacks ceiling or wall light fixtures, it must have at least 3 electric receptacles
• Bathrooms, water closet rooms, laundry rooms, and furnace rooms must have at least 1 ceiling or wall light fixture

Multi-Family Lighting Standards

Public safety is a particular concern in multi-family dwellings, where common areas are shared among multiple residents.

Multi-Family Requirements:

• Public halls and stairways must be adequately lit by electric lights at all times when natural daylight is insufficient
• All entrances and exits in multi-family buildings with more than 4 units must be adequately illuminated for safety and security

Maintenance Standards

• All fixtures, receptacles, equipment, and wiring must be maintained in good repair
• All electrical components must be safe, functional, and installed in accordance with the State Electrical Code

Street Lighting Specifications

Proper street lighting is essential for both safety and navigation throughout Kenly's roadways.

Standard Street Light Requirements

• Light Type: 175-watt mercury vapor or equivalent (approximately 7000 lumen class)
• Spacing: Intervals not exceeding 400 feet
• Placement: Required at all street intersections

Manufactured Home Parks

Manufactured home parks have specific requirements to ensure adequate illumination throughout their private road systems.

• All streets within manufactured home parks must be adequately illuminated
• The same light specifications apply (175-watt or equivalent fixtures at maximum 400-foot intervals)
• Street lights must be installed at each intersection within the park

Commercial and Parking Area Lighting

Commercial Parking Requirements

• All commercial parking areas must provide lighting during nighttime hours of operation
• Maximum fixture height in parking areas is 30 feet
• Lighting in pedestrian areas must not exceed 15 feet in height

Entrances and Exits

• All entrances and exits to non-residential buildings open to the public must be adequately illuminated
• Lighting must ensure both the safety of persons and the security of the building

Light Fixture Standards

• Only specific light sources are permitted: incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide, or color-corrected high-pressure sodium
• The same light source type should be used for similar lighting applications throughout any development

Sign Illumination Regulations

Kenly has specific regulations governing how signs may be illuminated to ensure they don't create nuisances for residents or safety hazards for drivers.

General Sign Lighting Rules

• Wall signs, projecting signs, and awning/marquee signs may be illuminated either internally or externally
• No illuminated signs are permitted in residential districts
• Signs located within 150 feet of residential areas cannot be illuminated between midnight and 6:00 a.m. (except in the B-1 District)

Billboard Illumination

• Billboards may be externally illuminated only
• Lighting must be effectively shielded to prevent light from being directed into public streets
• Illumination must not cause glare or interfere with drivers' vision

Light Direction and Shielding

• Lighting directed toward signs must be shielded to prevent it from shining into public right-of-way or residential buildings
• Sign illumination must not interfere with the safe vision of motorists

Security and Specialized Lighting

Security Lighting Standards

Security lighting is subject to careful regulation to prevent light trespass while maintaining its effectiveness.

Key Requirements:

• Building-mounted security fixtures must not project above the fascia or roof line
• All security light fixtures must be shielded
• Security fixtures cannot face residential properties
• Security lighting is restricted to loading, storage, service, and similar locations
• Security fixtures cannot be used as substitutes for parking area or walkway lighting

Canopy Lighting

• All development incorporating canopies over fuel sales, ATMs, or similar installations must use recessed lens covers
• Lens covers must be flush with the bottom surface of the canopy
• Lighting must provide a cutoff or shielded light distribution

Accent Lighting

• Lighting used to accent architectural features, landscaping, or art may be directed upward
• Such fixtures must be located, aimed, or shielded to minimize light spill into the night sky

Prohibited Lighting and Excessive Illumination

Prohibited Light Sources

Kenly prohibits certain types of lighting that can cause excessive glare or light pollution:

• Low-pressure sodium and mercury vapor light sources
• Cobra-head-type fixtures with dished or drop lenses (except those housing incandescent sources)
• Searchlights and other high-intensity narrow-beam fixtures
• Flashing signs or devices displaying flashing or intermittent lights (except time/temperature signs with changes alternating on not less than a 5-second cycle)

Light Trespass Prevention

• Lighting within any lot that unnecessarily illuminates and substantially interferes with neighboring properties is prohibited
• Fixtures must be mounted so the cone of light is contained on-site and does not cross property lines
• Lighting must not be oriented to direct glare or excessive illumination onto streets

What Property Owners Should Know

New Construction and Renovations

If you're planning new construction or significant renovations in Kenly, you should be aware that lighting requirements may apply to your project.

• Buildings and structures lawfully existing before the lighting ordinances took effect may be renovated without modifying outdoor lighting, provided there is no increase in gross floor area or impervious surface area
• If a building is enlarged by 10% or 2,000 square feet (whichever is less), outdoor lighting must conform to current standards
• No electrical service or lighting can be provided for temporary uses without obtaining an electrical permit

Design Considerations

When planning lighting for your property, remember that in Kenly:

• Outdoor lighting should primarily provide safety while secondarily accenting architectural elements and landscape features
• Light fixtures should be designed as integral elements that complement the overall project design
• The light source should be concealed and not visible from street rights-of-way or adjacent properties
• All lighting fixtures should be cutoff fixtures to minimize light pollution

Energy Conservation

Kenly encourages energy-efficient lighting practices:

• Consider using sensor technologies, timers, or other means to activate lighting only during times when it will be needed
• Limit lighting to periods of activity to conserve energy and reduce light pollution

Supporting Kenly's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate the careful balance that Kenly maintains between preserving its historical character and meeting modern lighting needs. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Kenly's commitment to honoring tradition while embracing beneficial innovations.

Preserving Community Character

Kenly's rich agricultural heritage and railroad history have shaped its identity as a charming rural community. Appropriate lighting plays a key role in maintaining this character while providing necessary illumination for safety and function.

We recognize the importance of lighting that complements Kenly's aesthetic priorities rather than detracting from them. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and community needs allows us to serve as a knowledgeable resource for residents and businesses navigating lighting regulations.

Educational Resources

Understanding lighting regulations can be challenging, especially when balancing practical needs with compliance requirements. Bock Lighting is committed to serving as an educational resource, helping property owners understand how to meet Kenly's standards while achieving their lighting goals.

Our expertise in sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Kenly's approach to balancing development with preservation of its rural ambiance. We're proud to support communities like Kenly in maintaining their distinctive character while meeting modern safety and functionality needs.

Conclusion

Kenly's lighting regulations reflect the town's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. From residential requirements to commercial standards, these regulations help maintain Kenly's rural charm while meeting the needs of a modern community.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements before undertaking new construction or significant renovations. By understanding and following Kenly's lighting standards, residents and businesses can contribute to the town's continued efforts to balance preservation with progress.

For more specific information about Kenly's lighting regulations or to address questions about a particular project, contact the Kenly Planning Department directly.