Find dark skies
TonightPlacesEventsNightly NewsMoonLawsLearnKids & Research
No statewide law

North Carolina

Last checked 2026-09-23

North Carolina has no statewide outdoor lighting, dark-sky, or sea-turtle lighting statute. A statewide "Sea Turtle Protection Act" (e.g., H455/H1053) has been filed in the legislature in multiple sessions but not passed; lighting protection for nesting turtles is currently handled town by town.

Municipal codes

  • Raleigh: City lighting ordinance sets shielding and glare limits for new outdoor fixtures.
  • Wrightsville Beach: Town committee was drafting turtle-friendly beachfront lighting rules as of 2026 after state biologist warnings, not yet finalized.

Sources