Orange County NC Website
Article 6: Development Standards 24 <br />Section 6.11: Outdoor Lighting <br />(1) Top mounted fixtures are required for legally existing lighted signs. Lighting <br />fixtures used to externally illuminate an outdoor advertising sign shall be <br />mounted on the top of the sign structure. All such fixtures shall comply with the <br />shielding requirements of this Section. Bottom mounted outdoor advertising shall <br />not be used. Notwithstanding this provision, the lighting or re- lighting of a <br />nonconforming advertising sign will not be permitted if the light results in the <br />expansion of the nonconforming use, pursuant to this Ordinance. <br />(2) Outdoor advertising signs constructed of translucent materials and wholly <br />illuminated from within do not require shielding. Dark backgrounds with light <br />lettering or symbols are preferred, to minimize detrimental effects. Unless <br />conforming to the above dark background preference, total lamp wattage per <br />sign shall not exceed 41 watts. <br />(E) Lighting of Buildings and Landscaping <br />Lighting fixtures shall be selected, located, aimed, and shielded so that direct illumination <br />is focused exclusively on the building fagade, plantings, and away from adjoining <br />properties, public or private rights -of -way, and the night sky. <br />6.11.8 Additional Standards for Economic Development Districts <br />In addition to the outdoor lighting standards established in this Section, the following standards <br />shall apply within the Economic Development Districts: <br />(A) All lighting must be shielded to confine light spread within the site boundaries and provide <br />uniform illumination in compliance with the following minimum levels. <br />It is the intent of this section to require minimum light levels during established business <br />hours or in those instances where members of the general public will be on -site to ensure <br />Public safety. <br />(B) Pedestrian walkways and plazas must be lighted and fixtures mounted at a lower height <br />for security and to create an inviting pedestrian environment. <br />(C) Accent lighting must also be provided to illuminate such key locations as building and <br />driveway entries, and activity areas. <br />(D) Lighting for the purpose of illuminating landmarks and unique features of the site is also <br />encouraged. <br />(E) All light fixtures are to be concealed source fixtures except for pedestrian- oriented accent <br />lights. <br />14 Added to address ORC comments made at its September 5, 2012 meeting. There was concern over the ambiguous <br />nature of existing wording. Board members wanted clear explanation lights had to be on during those times when <br />the general public would be on the property and need the light for public safety and security purposes. <br />Orange County, North Carolina — Unified Development Ordinance Page 6 -75 <br />