Lighting Regulations in Surry County, North Carolina: Preserving Rural Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Quick Reference Guide

• Primary Regulation: Outdoor lighting must be designed to minimize light from directly hitting adjacent properties or public rights-of-way
• Sign Illumination: In residential districts, illumination is restricted to indirect white lighting
• Commercial Signs: Illumination permitted but must minimize light spillover
• Airport Areas: Special regulations to prevent interference with aviation lighting
• Historic District: In the Village of Rockford District, light fixtures are considered "exterior features" requiring approval
• Site Plans: Lighting plans required for development applications

Introduction: Surry County's Lighting Philosophy

Established in 1771 and named after Surrey in England, Surry County embraces its rich heritage of early American settlement with pride. The county's picturesque landscapes and historical districts showcase architectural styles from the 18th and 19th centuries, creating a distinctive character that residents work hard to preserve.

This dedication to maintaining Surry County's unique rural charm extends to how the community approaches lighting. The county's regulations reflect a thoughtful balance between modern needs and historical preservation, focusing primarily on preventing light trespass while allowing for necessary illumination.

The regulations aim to preserve the county's rural night sky and protect the quality of life for residents. With several historical districts and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these lighting guidelines help maintain the authentic character of the area while providing for safety and security.

Understanding the Core Lighting Principle

The Fundamental Requirement

The most consistent requirement throughout Surry County's regulations is remarkably straightforward:

"Outdoor lighting shall be designed to minimize light from directly hitting adjacent property or any public right-of-way."

"Outdoor lighting shall be designed to minimize light from directly hitting adjacent property or any public right-of-way."

This principle appears repeatedly throughout the county code for nearly all property types and use categories, from airstrips to bed and breakfasts to community centers.

What This Means for Property Owners

The simplicity of this regulation allows for flexibility while maintaining a clear expectation. As a property owner, you must:

• Design lighting that primarily illuminates your own property
• Prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Avoid directing light toward public streets and sidewalks

This approach addresses light pollution concerns without imposing overly technical requirements, allowing property owners to meet the standard through thoughtful fixture selection and placement.

Special Considerations by Property Type

Airport Vicinity Requirements

Properties near airports have additional lighting restrictions to ensure aviation safety:

• No lighting that makes it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and others
• No lighting that causes glare for pilots using the airport
• No lighting that impairs visibility in the vicinity of the airport

Airport Obstruction Marking

For properties with structures or trees that could be aviation obstructions:

• Property owners must permit installation of markers and lights deemed necessary for safety
• These markers and lights are installed and maintained at the expense of the relevant authority (Town of Elkin or Mount Airy-Surry County Airport Authority)

Commercial and Institutional Properties

While the core principle of preventing light trespass applies to all properties, some commercial uses have additional considerations:

• Amusement parks/outdoor arenas: May require additional buffering to protect adjacent properties from light and glare
• Commercial/institutional properties: Must provide adequate lighting for common areas, including interior lighting of buildings open after dusk

Sign Illumination Standards

Residential and Agricultural Districts

In RA, RE, RR, RL, RG, CP, MHP, and MR districts:

• Monument identification signs for residential subdivisions, multi-family developments: Illumination restricted to indirect white lighting
• Identification signs for manufactured home parks, bed and breakfast inns, campgrounds: Illumination restricted to indirect white lighting

Commercial Signs

For signs in commercial areas:

• Illumination is permitted
• Must be designed to minimize light from directly hitting public rights-of-way
• Must prevent light spillover onto adjacent properties used or zoned for residential and rural agricultural purposes

Electronic Messaging Billboards

Special use permits for electronic messaging billboards require:

• Proposed brightness settings
• Message change time interval rate
• Adjustment ranges for brightness and message time intervals
• Board of Adjustment may impose conditions limiting message brightness or time intervals

The Village of Rockford Historic District

Special Approval Requirements

The Village of Rockford District has unique requirements to maintain its historical integrity:

• No exterior feature of any building or structure may be erected, altered, restored, moved, or demolished without a certificate of appropriateness
• "Exterior features" explicitly include light fixtures
• The Planning Board must approve the style, general design, and arrangement of light fixtures

This reflects the community's commitment to preserving the authentic character of this historic area, with lighting playing an important role in maintaining the district's visual integrity.

Application and Planning Requirements

Documentation Required

Development applications in Surry County frequently require lighting information:

• Site plans must include "location and type of outdoor lighting"
• Major site plans must include a "landscaping and lighting plan"
• For some developments, examples of required documentation include "lighting plans"
• Manufactured home park applications must include a "proposed plan for park lighting"

Parking and Loading Areas

Specific requirements apply to these functional spaces:

• "Any lighting of parking areas shall be shielded to cast no light upon adjacent properties and streets"
• "Any lighting of loading areas shall be shielded to cast no light upon adjacent properties and streets"

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

To comply with Surry County's lighting regulations:

• Choose directional fixtures that focus light downward and onto your property
• Install shields on existing fixtures that may cast light onto neighboring properties
• Consider fixture height - lower fixtures generally create less light trespass
• Select appropriate brightness levels for your needs without excessive illumination
• For sign lighting, use indirect illumination methods in residential areas

When Planning New Development

If you're developing property in Surry County:

• Include lighting considerations early in your planning process
• Prepare a lighting plan showing fixture locations and types
• Consider how your lighting will impact neighboring properties
• In historic districts, select fixtures that complement historical character
• For commercial developments, balance security needs with prevention of light trespass

Supporting Surry County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting shares Surry County's commitment to thoughtful illumination that respects community character. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with preservation of historical integrity and rural character.

Our experience with communities throughout the Eastern United States has given us insight into how lighting can enhance rather than detract from a community's unique identity. In Surry County, with its rich historical districts and scenic beauty, appropriate lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining the authentic character that makes the area special.

Bock Lighting serves as a resource for understanding lighting regulations and identifying solutions that respect both the letter and spirit of local codes. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Surry County's vision for preserving its unique heritage while providing for safety and functionality.

Conclusion

Surry County's lighting regulations focus primarily on preventing light trespass and maintaining community character rather than imposing highly technical specifications. This approach provides flexibility while addressing the fundamental concern of light pollution.

The core principle – preventing light from directly hitting adjacent properties or public rights-of-way – applies consistently across different property types and uses. Special provisions for historic districts, airport areas, and sign illumination add necessary detail for specific contexts.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners can contribute to maintaining Surry County's distinctive character while meeting their illumination needs. The result is a community that honors its historical roots while providing for safety and functionality in the modern era.