Buncombe planning board continues workshop on proposed exterior lighting rules after hours of technical questions

Buncombe County Planning Board members spent more than two hours on Oct. 20 reviewing a proposed exterior lighting text amendment (ZPH 2025-24) intended to reduce light pollution, limit glare and promote energy-efficient fixtures. Staff highlighted proposed limits on color temperature (Kelvin), foot-candle maxima at property lines and new exemptions intended to reduce review burden for small projects. The board did not take final action and voted to continue the discussion at its Nov. 17 meeting.

The proposed amendment would centralize lighting standards, add new definitions and create a table of maximum foot-candle and Kelvin values for different contexts (nonresidential property lines, residential property lines, public rights-of-way, parking areas and special uses such as sports fields and electronic message displays). Planning staff told the board they are balancing community health, environmental justice and energy goals with industry practice and enforcement limits.

The discussion focused on three technical areas: how to measure and regulate light (foot-candles versus lumens), the maximum Kelvin (color-temperature) allowed in different zoning contexts, and how to treat long-standing nonconforming fixtures — especially gas-station canopies…