Chesapeake requires full-cutoff exterior lighting for new commercial and multifamily development under Zoning Ordinance Section 19-800. Residential lighting is less regulated but cannot create glare or light trespass onto neighboring properties.
Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance Section 19-800 (Outdoor Lighting Standards) requires new non-residential development to use full-cutoff fixtures that direct light downward. Maximum 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines. Parking lot lighting limited to 20-foot poles in most districts, 30 ft in industrial. Color temperature capped at 3000K in most residential-adjacent areas. Single-family residential is not subject to these standards directly but cannot create glare nuisances. Chesapeake does not have formal dark-sky ordinance certification but follows similar principles in its lighting code.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake does not impose gas leaf blower bans or specific decibel caps. Leaf blower use is regulated by the general noise ordinance (City Code Chapter 38) ...
Chesapeake, VA
Vehicle noise in Chesapeake includes restrictions on modified exhaust, squealing tires, and loud car audio. Sound systems audible at 50 feet can be cited und...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) and Chapter 38 (Noise). Barking that continues for 20 minu...
Chesapeake, VA
Amplified music in Chesapeake must not be plainly audible at 50 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM (11 PM to 8 AM on weekends). Outdoor events with ...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake fence height limits are typically 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in rear and side yards under the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance. Corner lots and p...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake requires all dogs to be under physical restraint (leash or confinement) when off the owners property under City Code Chapter 10. Leash length is n...
See how Chesapeake's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.