I need a little clarification with regard to closet lighting and the 2008 NEC. It's a walk-in closet with shelving/clothing rods running perpendicular to the door along the walls of the closet. The ideal location for lighting would be above the door.

Looking around the Internet I've seen references for 12" as the closest an incandescent, surface mount, enclosed, fixture can be to the shelf. I also saw a reference for 24" from the clothing rod but it was an municipal website which might have a different interpretation of the code.

Can anyone provide some clarification?

Thanks!