Outdoor Lighting in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Virginia Beach, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Virginia Beach requires full cutoff outdoor light fixtures on most new and replacement installations, aiming light downward to cut sky glow and glare, and caps illumination at 0.5 to 5.0 foot-candles at property lines depending on adjacent land use.
Virginia Beach Outdoor Lighting: Full Cutoff Required
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Zoning Ordinance § 252(d)(1)
In order to direct light downward and minimize the amount of light spill into the night sky and onto adjacent properties, all lighting fixtures shall be full cutoff fixtures to eliminate glare. The light source must be concealed and must not be visible from any street right-of-way or adjacent properties.
Light Trespass & Shielding
Virginia Beach requires outdoor lighting fixtures to be full cutoff, with wall pack security lights fully shielded and aimed at least 45 degrees below horizontal to keep glare off neighboring properties.
Security Light Shielding & Aiming Rules
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Zoning Ordinance, Appendix A, § 252(d)(1) & § 253(b)
In order to direct light downward and minimize the amount of light spill into the night sky and onto adjacent properties, all lighting fixtures shall be full cutoff fixtures to eliminate glare. The light source must be concealed and must not be visible from any street right-of-way or adjacent properties. ... Wall pack lights on the exterior of the building shall be fully shielded and shall be a...
Billboard Lighting
Virginia Beach requires every illuminated sign, including billboards, to be shielded from glare, banned from blinking or flashing lights, and dimmed so brightness never disturbs neighboring homes or drivers.
Billboard & Sign Illumination Rules in Virginia Beach
Some RestrictionsVirginia Beach City Zoning Ordinance § 213
(a) The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises nor adversely affect safe vision of operators of vehicles moving on public or private roads, highways, or parking areas. Light shall not shine or reflect in an offensive manner on or into residential structures, includi...