Chesapeake's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Chesapeake, Virginia, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Dark Sky Rules

Chesapeake requires full-cutoff exterior lighting for new commercial and multifamily development under Zoning Ordinance Section 19-800. Residential lighting is less regulated but cannot create glare or light trespass onto neighboring properties.

Key details: Code: Zoning Ord. 19-800. Commercial: Full cutoff required. Property line: 0.5 footcandles max. Color temp: 3000K typical limit. Pole height: 20-30 ft.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Light Trespass

Chesapeake prohibits lighting that creates glare or exceeds 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines under Zoning Ordinance 19-800. Complaints go to Code Compliance, which can order shielding or reduction within 30 days.

Key details: Code: Zoning Ord. 19-800. Max at line: 0.5 footcandles. Residential: Common-law nuisance. Remedy: Shielding ordered. Fine: 100-500 dollars/day.

Zoning notice: 30 days to shield or replace. Fines 100-500 dollars per day continuing violation.

The Bottom Line

Chesapeake's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Chesapeake is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Chesapeake's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.