Outdoor Lighting in Chesterfield County, VA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Chesterfield County, Virginia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Chesterfield County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Dark Sky Rules

Chesterfield has no formal dark-sky ordinance. Instead, the Zoning Ordinance requires exterior lighting (except single-family homes) to use directional fixtures that shield the light source from direct view from neighboring residential property or roads.

No Dark-Sky Law, But Lighting Must Be Shielded

Some Restrictions

Chesterfield County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 19.1-205.B

lighting standards shall be of a directional type capable of shielding the light source from direct view from an adjacent A, R, R-TH, MH or R-MF property, or road.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass & Shielding

Except for single-family homes, exterior lighting in Chesterfield may not cast more than 0.5 foot-candle above background light, measured at the property line of adjacent residential land. Fixtures must also shield the light source from neighbors.

Exterior Light Spillover Capped at 0.5 Foot-Candle

Some Restrictions

Chesterfield County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 19.1-205.A

With the exception of single family residential uses, the direct or reflected illumination of exterior lights shall not exceed 0.5 foot candle above background, measured at the lot line of an adjacent A, R, R-TH, MH or R-MF property.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Chesterfield County ordinances

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