Charleston, WV Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- off-street parking & loading areas
- Direction limit
- no light aimed at residential lots
- Hours limit
- lit only during hours of operation
- Exception
- necessary security lighting allowed
Summary
Charleston requires off-street parking and loading area lighting to be shielded from residential lots and cut off during non-operating hours.
Lighting shall be arranged and designed so that no source of light is directed toward any lots used or zoned for residential use. Lighting shall be designed to shield public streets and all other adjacent lands from distracting glare, or hazardous interference of any kind. Vehicular use areas shall not be lighted at any time other than the hours of operation of the use that the parking is intended to serve, except for necessary security lighting.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under the Charleston Zoning Ordinance, lighting for off-street parking and loading areas can't be aimed at any residentially used or zoned lot. Fixtures must be designed to shield public streets and neighboring land from distracting glare or hazardous interference. Vehicular use areas can only be lit during the hours the served use actually operates, except for necessary security lighting overnight.
Violations & Fines
Building Commissioner enforcement through the zoning permit and certificate-of-occupancy process; non-compliant lighting plans can block issuance of a certificate of occupancy until fixtures are corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover house or yard lighting?
Can a business light its lot all night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia outdoor lighting overview
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