Outdoor Lighting in Spotsylvania County, VA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

Verified from official government sources

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

Dark Sky Rules

Spotsylvania County requires every outdoor luminaire on commercial, office and industrial property to be a full cutoff or fully shielded fixture under Sec. 23-5.12.4(1) of the zoning ordinance. The rule implements the night-sky-friendly purpose the county sets out in Sec. 23-5.12.1, aiming to cut light pollution and glare while protecting nearby residential properties from spillover.

Spotsylvania County Full Cutoff Lighting Rule

Some Restrictions

Spotsylvania County Code §§ 23-5.12.1, 23-5.12.4(1)

The purpose of this division is to make provision for outdoor lighting systems and luminaires that are complementary and respectful to business interests, public and property safety and enjoyment, and considerate of interests to maintain flexibility and accommodation of changing lighting technologies over time. The following outdoor lighting regulations are intended to employ night sky friendly...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Light Trespass & Shielding

Spotsylvania County caps nonresidential outdoor lighting at 0.5 footcandles measured at the property line wherever it borders residential property, under Sec. 23-5.12.4(2) of the zoning ordinance. Fixtures must also be screened or shielded so neighboring residential lots and roads are never directly illuminated, and adjoining parking areas can only stay lit during business hours.

Spotsylvania County Light Trespass Limit

Some Restrictions

Spotsylvania County Code § 23-5.12.4(2)-(4)

(2)All outdoor lighting for nonresidential property or uses adjacent to residential property or uses shall be designed and located such that the maximum illumination, measured in footcandles at the property line shall not exceed five-tenths (0.5) footcandles.(3)All lighting from nonresidential uses shall be located, screened or shielded so that adjacent residential lots and adjacent roads are n...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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