Lighting Regulations in Beech Mountain, North Carolina: Preserving Dark Skies in America's Highest Eastern Town

Introduction

Nestled at 5,506 feet above sea level, Beech Mountain holds the distinction of being the highest incorporated community east of the Mississippi River. Developed in the late 1960s as a resort destination, this unique mountain town has always valued its natural surroundings and scenic beauty. The town's lighting regulations reflect a commitment to preserving the night sky while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors alike.

The mountainous landscape that makes Beech Mountain special also makes it particularly sensitive to light pollution. With fewer barriers to block artificial light, poorly designed outdoor lighting can impact visibility of the night sky and disrupt the natural mountain ambiance that draws people to this special place.

Quick Reference Guide

Here are the most critical lighting requirements for Beech Mountain property owners:

• Light Trespass: Prohibited for all non-exempt outdoor lighting
• Shielding: All outdoor fixtures must be shielded and aimed downward
• Design Requirements: Fixtures must be installed to prevent light from escaping upward
• Public Streetlights: Those under 3,000 kelvin and of specific types are exempt from certain restrictions
• Sign Illumination: Signs must be lit by white or amber light directed solely at the sign
• Prohibited Lighting: Searchlights (except for emergencies), laser lights projected above horizontal plane, and strobe lights

Purpose of Beech Mountain's Lighting Regulations

Preserving the Night Sky

Beech Mountain's lighting regulations were created to preserve the view of the dark sky, which is a precious natural resource in this high-elevation community. The town's position above much of the surrounding development gives it unique access to starry skies that can be easily compromised by excessive lighting.

Promoting Safety and Security

While limiting light pollution is important, the regulations also recognize that proper lighting is essential for safety. The standards aim to enable people to see essential details at night while facilitating the security of persons and property.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection

The lighting regulations also promote energy efficiency and help protect natural resources. By requiring targeted, shielded lighting, the town reduces wasted light and the energy needed to produce it.

Light Trespass Regulations

What is Light Trespass?

Light trespass occurs when light from one property extends beyond its boundaries onto neighboring properties or into the sky. Beech Mountain's regulations specifically prohibit light trespass for all non-exempt outdoor lighting fixtures.

Shielding Requirements

All outdoor lighting fixtures and accent lighting must be:

• Shielded to mask the direct horizontal surface of the light source
• Aimed downward or toward the specific object they illuminate
• Contained so light doesn't encroach beyond the intended illumination area
• Designed and installed to prevent light from shining upward into the sky

Zoning Considerations

The regulations recognize different needs across various zones:

• Commercial and Public Zones (CS1, CS2, PS) have exemptions regarding light trespass between similar zones
• However, commercial properties cannot create light trespass onto residential properties
• Public streetlights under 3,000 kelvin and of the 100 Watt High Pressure Sodium or LED lighting type have specific exemptions

Sign Lighting Requirements

General Sign Illumination

Beech Mountain has clear guidelines for how signs can be illuminated:

• Signs cannot have internal illumination (with limited exceptions)
• Illumination must use white or amber light of reasonable intensity
• Light must be shielded and directed solely at the sign
• No moving, flashing, or animated lights are permitted

Prohibited Sign Lighting

The following are specifically prohibited for signs:

• Fluorescent sign lettering
• Fluorescent background colors
• Light reflective backgrounds
• Blinking or flashing lights
• Lights of changing intensity
• Moving parts in illuminated signs

Interior Accessory Signs

Small interior signs visible from beyond property boundaries have special provisions:

• May be neon or internally lighted
• Limited to two square feet in size
• Only one internally lighted sign per property is allowed

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These establishments have specific illumination requirements:

• Minimum 5 foot-candle illumination required at floor level
• Owners and operators must ensure this illumination is maintained whenever patrons are present
• Businesses with viewing rooms less than 150 square feet must include lighting diagrams with permit applications

Tower Lighting

Telecommunications and other towers have strict lighting limitations:

• No artificial lighting permitted except as required by FAA regulations
• If lighting is required, designs that cause the least disturbance to surrounding properties must be used
• Security lighting at tower bases must be shielded to prevent light from reaching adjacent properties

Exemptions from Lighting Regulations

Pre-existing Fixtures

• Light fixtures installed prior to the effective date of the regulations are exempt
• However, replacement fixtures must comply with current standards
• Non-conforming fixtures causing considerable disturbance may be required to add shielding or use lower wattage bulbs

Special Situations

The following are exempt from standard lighting regulations:

• Temporary emergency lighting (fire, police, repair workers)
• Navigation lights required by state or federal law
• Seasonal decorations (provided they don't exceed 0.1 foot-candles at the property line)
• Temporary event lighting approved by the town
• Ski slope lighting

Beech Mountain Resort Exemption

The incorporated area owned or operated by Beech Mountain Resort is specifically exempt from town regulations or ordinances that restrict its operation as a ski resort, theme park, or recreational area, including lighting regulations associated with such operations.

What Property Owners Should Know

Permit Requirements

If you're installing new outdoor lighting fixtures, your building permit application must demonstrate compliance with the lighting regulations. This ensures your project will meet standards from the beginning.

Abandoned Properties

If a property with non-conforming lighting is abandoned, all outdoor lighting must be reviewed and brought into compliance before the property can be used again.

Temporary Exemptions

Property owners may request temporary exemptions from lighting regulations through the Town Council. This can be helpful for special events or unusual circumstances.

Supporting Beech Mountain's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique challenges and opportunities presented by mountain communities like Beech Mountain. As a manufacturer with experience in communities that balance modern lighting needs with preservation of natural beauty, we appreciate Beech Mountain's commitment to dark sky preservation.

The town's careful approach to lighting regulations reflects a thoughtful balance between safety, functionality, and environmental protection. This aligns with Bock Lighting's philosophy of creating lighting solutions that enhance communities while respecting their character and natural surroundings.

Our team appreciates how Beech Mountain has developed regulations that recognize the special needs of a mountain resort community while protecting the spectacular night skies that make this high-elevation town so special. We're committed to supporting communities like Beech Mountain with educational resources about lighting regulations and solutions that help maintain the distinctive character of special places.

Conclusion

Beech Mountain's lighting regulations reflect the town's commitment to preserving its unique mountain character and dark skies while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and security. By addressing light trespass, requiring proper shielding, and establishing clear guidelines for different types of lighting, these regulations help maintain the natural beauty that makes Beech Mountain special.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or just visiting this unique mountain community, understanding these lighting requirements helps everyone contribute to the preservation of Beech Mountain's remarkable night sky and mountain ambiance.