Outdoor Lighting in Fairfax County, VA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Fairfax County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
All new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures in the county must be full cut-off, horizontally mounted fixtures that shield the light source, with limited exceptions.
Fairfax County Full Cut-Off Lighting Rule
Some RestrictionsFairfax County, VA, Zoning Ordinance subsec. 5109.3.A(1)
Full cut-off lighting fixtures must be mounted horizontal to the ground and must be used for all outdoor lighting unless otherwise specifically provided in this section, and all lighting fixtures located within those portions of open-sided parking structures that are above ground. For the purposes of this provision, an...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Motion-activated security lights are exempt from the county's outdoor lighting standards only if aimed so illumination stays within the property line, with tighter limits on single-family lots.
Fairfax County Motion Light Aiming Rule
Some RestrictionsFairfax County, VA, Zoning Ordinance subsec. 5109.2.F
Motion activated light fixtures located as follows: (1) On lots developed with single-family dwellings if such lighting fixtures: (a) Emit initial lighting levels of 4,000 lumens or less; (b) Are extinguished within five minutes upon cessation of motion; and (c) Are aimed such that the illumination is directed within the proper...
Billboard Lighting
Fairfax County requires every illuminated sign, including electronic and billboard-style displays, to meet the same outdoor lighting performance standards the zoning code sets for all other fixtures under Section 5109.
Fairfax County Sign Illumination Standards
Some RestrictionsFairfax County, VA, Zoning Ordinance § 7101.1.B
B. Sign Illumination Illumination of signs must conform to the performance standards for outdoor lighting as set forth in Section 5109. C. Associated Service Uses Each associated service use permitted in accordance with Article 4 of this Ordinance is allowed a single building-mounted sign not to exceed 15 square feet in area, which is calcula...
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