North Carolina’s 2018 State Building Code that went into effect Jan. 1, 2019, includes several provisions related to lighting controls.

Commercial buildings must comply with automatic shut off requirements, regardless of size. Buildings under 5,000 sf had been previously exempt from this provision.

Occupancy sensor control requirements for automatic lighting shut off have been expanded. These requirements now pertain to rooms defined as being used for multipurpose, copy, print, mechanical, electrical, lounges, computer server, and warehouse spaces.

In addition, warehouse aisles and open areas must reduce lighting by at least half when not occupied. In the hospitality arena, hotel and motel guest rooms must automatically turn off lighting so lights are not left on when guests leave the room.