Lighting Regulations in Whiteville, North Carolina: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Nestled in Columbus County as its county seat, Whiteville, North Carolina has a rich history dating back to its namesake, James B. White, the county's first state senator. Officially chartered in 1873, this resilient community has grown from its agricultural roots into a thriving town with over 5,000 residents.

Whiteville's journey from the disruption of the Civil War to its subsequent rebuilding reflects the community's determination and adaptability. This historical perseverance informs many of the town's current regulatory decisions, including its approach to lighting standards.

The town's lighting regulations aim to strike a delicate balance: preserving Whiteville's historic character while ensuring safety and functionality for its residents and businesses. These regulations reflect the community's commitment to maintaining its aesthetic appeal while meeting modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide to Whiteville's Lighting Requirements

For property owners and businesses in Whiteville, here are the key lighting regulations you need to know:

• Exterior lighting must be shielded to prevent light from shining on neighboring properties or into roadways
• Businesses operating after 5:00 p.m. must provide outside lighting
• Electronic signs have specific brightness limits: 5,000 nits (daytime) and 500 nits (nighttime)
• Residential parking areas must have adequate deterrent lighting
• Service buildings must be well-lit at all times
• Interior drives and walkways require electric lamp lighting
• Parking areas for community centers must have sufficient visibility lighting

Exterior Lighting Requirements

Shielding and Direction

Whiteville places significant emphasis on preventing light pollution and nuisance to neighbors. The regulations clearly state that:

• All exterior lighting must be arranged and shaded to reflect light away from adjoining properties and streets
• Illumination devices (including flood and spot lights) must be positioned and shielded to prevent light from casting onto neighboring buildings and vehicles
• All lighting shall be placed to minimize glare on roadways and surrounding properties

Light Trespass Prevention

Light trespass—unwanted light that spills onto neighboring properties—is specifically addressed in Whiteville's regulations:

• Lights must be located and shielded so as not to adversely affect adjacent property
• Ray illumination should not be cast upon vehicles approaching from either direction
• Properties with improper illumination causing light trespass have one year to bring lighting into compliance

Lighting Plan Requirements

For many property uses, Whiteville requires formal lighting plans:

• Site plans must include lighting details with wattage and illumination specifications
• Plans must show type of standards, locations, radius of light, and intensity in foot candles
• Special uses like auto services, kennels, and farmers markets require detailed lighting plans
• The City Engineer must approve lighting for interior drives and walkways

Commercial Property Lighting Standards

Business Hours Considerations

Businesses with extended hours face additional lighting requirements:

• Businesses operating after 5:00 p.m. must provide adequate outside lighting
• Service buildings must be well-lit at all times of day and night
• Parking areas for cultural/community centers must have lighting allowing spaces to be visible from the building

Special Use Requirements

Different business types have specific lighting standards:

Arcade/Amusement Centers

• All parking areas must be well-lit
• Building interiors must be well-lit enough to see from wall to wall
• Inside lights must be turned off within 15 minutes after closing

Sexually Oriented Businesses

• Must have overhead lighting of sufficient intensity to illuminate all areas accessible to patrons
• Illumination must be maintained whenever patrons are present
• Additional lighting helps deter illicit activities

Retail and Professional Services

• Site plans showing lighting are required
• Outside lighting is mandatory for operations after 5:00 p.m.

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Whiteville maintains specific interior lighting requirements for dwellings:

• Every habitable room must contain at least two separate receptacle outlets
• Bedrooms require at least one wall-switch controlled lighting outlet
• Kitchens need two separate receptacle outlets plus a wall/ceiling lighting outlet controlled by a wall switch
• Bathrooms, halls, water closet compartments, laundry rooms, and furnace rooms must have at least one ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted lighting outlet
• In multi-family dwellings, public halls and stairways must be adequately lit when natural daylight is insufficient

Exterior Residential Lighting

For single-family dwellings in B-1 Districts:

• Residential parking areas must have adequate outside lighting
• Illumination should be bright enough to deter trespassers
• The City's Planning Director determines lighting adequacy
• Property owners are responsible for providing lighting if not already available

Sign Illumination Regulations

Brightness Standards

Electronic signs in Whiteville must adhere to specific brightness limitations:

• 5,000 nits maximum from sunrise to sunset
• 500 nits maximum from sunset to sunrise
• Signs must include automatic dimming sensors to adjust to ambient light
• Sign companies must certify illumination specifications before permits are issued
• Electronic signs require a mechanism to turn off if malfunction occurs

Sign Construction Requirements

Additional requirements affect how signs can be illuminated:

• No signs may be attached to or painted on light poles
• For illumination purposes, a hood may extend up to six inches beyond the 36-inch sign projection limit
• Some signs must be completely unlighted
• Non-conforming signs with improper illumination must be brought into compliance within one year

Street and Landscape Lighting Considerations

Tree Maintenance for Street Lighting

Whiteville regulations address how vegetation affects street lighting:

• Property owners must prune tree branches that obstruct light from street lights
• The city reserves the right to prune trees and shrubs on private property that interfere with proper light spread from street lights

Walkway and Drive Illumination

For public safety:

• All interior drives and walkways must be lit with electric lamps
• Lighting must be constructed under standards established by the City Engineer

Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Lighting

Height and Lighting Restrictions

Whiteville implements measures to minimize light pollution from telecommunications structures:

• No newly constructed tower or support structure shall be tall enough to require FAA lighting
• If lighting is subsequently required, applicants must provide a detailed plan for unobtrusive lighting
• Lighting must use technology that prevents ground scatter effect while remaining visible from aircraft
• Facilities must comply with Federal Aviation Administration Regulation Part 77

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Whiteville's lighting regulations helps ensure compliance while maintaining the town's aesthetic character:

Planning Ahead

• Include lighting plans in initial site planning documents
• Consider both functionality and neighborhood impact when designing exterior lighting
• Consult with the Planning Director about lighting adequacy for residential properties

Common Compliance Issues

• Unshielded lights that cause glare on neighboring properties
• Inadequate illumination for businesses open after 5:00 p.m.
• Excessive brightness of electronic signage
• Light obstruction from overgrown trees and vegetation

Benefits of Proper Lighting

• Enhances security and safety for your property
• Contributes to Whiteville's historic character and ambiance
• Reduces conflicts with neighbors over light trespass
• Provides adequate visibility for customers and residents

Supporting Whiteville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the balance Whiteville seeks between historical preservation and modern lighting needs. Our team appreciates Whiteville's commitment to maintaining its distinctive character while ensuring safety and functionality through proper illumination.

We recognize that communities like Whiteville value lighting solutions that respect their architectural heritage while providing adequate illumination for safety and security. With our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting requirements, we can serve as a resource for property owners navigating Whiteville's lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting shares Whiteville's values of responsible illumination that prevents light pollution while enhancing community safety. We're committed to supporting communities through education about lighting standards and sustainable practices that align with local regulations.

Our experience with historic communities allows us to appreciate Whiteville's careful approach to balancing growth with preservation of its unique small-town character.

Conclusion

Whiteville's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. The requirements focus on minimizing light trespass, providing adequate illumination for safety, and maintaining the town's aesthetic appeal.

Property owners and businesses should carefully consider these regulations when planning lighting installations or modifications. By following these guidelines, community members contribute to Whiteville's vision of a well-lit, historically respectful, and visually appealing town.

Understanding and complying with these regulations helps maintain Whiteville's unique character as it continues to grow and evolve, honoring its resilient past while embracing a bright future.