Lighting Regulations in Swansboro, North Carolina: Preserving Coastal Character while Ensuring Safety and Functionality

Introduction

Nestled at the mouth of the White Oak River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, Swansboro, North Carolina, is a historic waterfront community founded in 1783. This charming coastal town, with its unique village atmosphere and historic downtown, carefully balances growth and conservation to maintain its distinctive character.

Swansboro's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving historical authenticity while meeting modern needs. These regulations help maintain the town's ambiance, protect property values, and create a safe environment for residents and visitors alike.

As you navigate property improvements or new construction in Swansboro, understanding these lighting requirements will help ensure your project enhances the community's character while meeting all local codes.

Quick Reference Guide to Swansboro Lighting Regulations

Key Requirements:

• Maximum Light Levels:
• 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines
• 2.0 footcandles at public street right-of-ways
• 24 footcandles for outdoor display areas
• Fixture Requirements: Full cutoff fixtures required in business districts (B1, B2, B3)
• Mounting Height: Maximum 41 feet for standard fixtures, 80 feet for sports fields
• Documentation: Lighting plan required for most projects
• Historic District: Special provisions for "low lumen lighting" to create nighttime ambiance

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Purpose and Intent

Swansboro's lighting regulations serve multiple important purposes:

1. Protection from Light Spillover: All outdoor lighting must be designed to prevent light from spilling onto adjacent properties
2. Glare Prevention: Lighting must not create glare on public rights-of-way that could impair driver vision
3. Architectural Integration: Outdoor lighting must complement building style, materials, and colors

Required Shielding Methods

All outdoor lighting must be shielded from adjacent properties using one or more of these methods:

• Thick evergreen vegetated buffers
• Berms, walls, or fences
• Directional lighting and specialized shields
• Special fixtures and timing devices
• Appropriate light intensities and mounting heights

Maximum Light Levels

Swansboro has established specific maximum light levels to maintain community character:

• 0.5 maintained footcandles at any property line in a residential district
• 2.0 maintained footcandles at any public street right-of-way
• 24 maintained footcandles maximum for outdoor display areas
• 20 footcandles average for service station canopies (measured at ground level)

Technical Requirements for Different Lighting Types

Flood Lights and Spotlights

• Must be aimed down at least 45 degrees from vertical
• Light bulb must not extend below the bottom edge of external shield
• When located within 50 feet of public street right-of-way, must be mounted perpendicular to the right-of-way
• Flood lamps emitting 1,000+ lumens must be aimed at least 60 degrees down from horizontal

Wall Pack Fixtures

• May only be used at building entrances to light unsafe areas
• Not permitted for general building or site lighting
• Must be true cutoff fixtures
• Cannot be used to illuminate entire portions of buildings

Canopy Lighting

Lighting under vehicular canopies must meet these specifications:

• Fixtures (including lenses) must not project below the bottom of the canopy
• Cannot exceed an average of 20 footcandles as measured at ground level
• Building accent canopies over doors and windows cannot be internally lit
• Acceptable fixture types include:
• Recessed fixtures with flush lens covers
• Fixtures incorporating shields
• Surface-mounted fixtures with flat glass providing cutoff distribution
• Surface-mounted fixtures with at least 2% white fill diffusion material

Special Applications

Sports Fields and Performance Areas

• Maximum mounting height: 80 feet (unless specifically approved otherwise)
• Required equipment: Glare control package (louvers, shields, or similar devices)
• Aim requirements: Beams must be directed to fall within the primary playing/performance area
• Hours restriction: Lighting must be turned off within one hour after events end

Historic District Considerations

The B-2 portion of the Historic District Overlay receives special consideration:

• Low lumen lighting is allowed to illuminate historic commercial buildings
• This exception aims to create night-time ambiance while preserving the historic character
• Select lighting that complements building and site design, materials, color, and scale
• Choose fixtures that are simple and unobtrusive
• Prefer light sources that generate soft white light (metal halide recommended)

Lighting Plan Requirements

Most projects require a lighting plan that includes:

• Documentation: Point-by-point footcandle array in printout format
• Fixture Details: Manufacturer specifications for all lighting fixtures
• Photometric Report: Indicating fixture classification
• Placement Information: Location and aiming of all illuminating devices

The Town Planner may waive this requirement for small independent development projects on less than one acre if fixture types are specified on the site plan.

Nonconforming Lighting and Compliance

Existing outdoor lighting that doesn't conform with regulations:

• Must be discontinued, removed, or brought into compliance within 5.5 years
• Routine maintenance is permitted on existing nonconforming fixtures
• Any changes to wattage, type, mounting, or location must comply with current regulations

Design Recommendations for Swansboro's Character

When selecting lighting for your property, consider these recommendations:

• Light Quality: Choose sources that generate soft white light rather than yellow or orange light
• Fixture Style: Select simple, unobtrusive fixtures that don't compete with the building
• Sign Illumination: Use ground-mounted spots or ornamental fixtures instead of internal lighting
• Ambience: Use light in subtle ways to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere
• Historic Elements: Avoid placing fixtures that would obscure character-defining architectural elements

Supporting Swansboro's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that historic coastal communities like Swansboro strive to achieve. We appreciate the town's commitment to preserving its authentic waterfront character while meeting modern lighting needs.

As a manufacturer with deep experience in historic communities throughout the country, we understand the importance of lighting that complements architectural styles and respects community character. Our team recognizes that in Swansboro, lighting isn't just functional—it's an integral part of maintaining the town's historic ambiance and coastal charm.

We're committed to being an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations and to supporting communities in their efforts to preserve distinctive character. Like Swansboro, we value the balance between historical authenticity and modern functionality in creating inviting public spaces and properties.

Conclusion

Swansboro's lighting regulations aim to preserve the town's historic waterfront character while ensuring safety and functionality. By following these guidelines, property owners can contribute to maintaining the unique ambiance that makes Swansboro special.

Whether you're planning a new development, renovating an existing property, or simply updating exterior lighting, understanding and adhering to these regulations helps support Swansboro's vision of balanced growth and historic preservation.

For specific questions about your property or project, always consult with the Town Planner or appropriate town officials before beginning work.