Henrico County, VA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Dark-sky ordinance
- None formal
- Building/security lighting
- Full-cutoff, shielded, or downward
- Parking-lot pole height
- 30 ft (20 ft near lines)
- Walkway fixtures
- 10 to 15 feet
- Accent lights
- Downward facing only
Summary
Henrico County has no formal dark-sky ordinance, but its zoning code requires exterior building and security lighting to be full-cutoff, shielded, or angled downward, and caps parking-lot light poles at 30 feet (20 feet near property lines).
All exterior building or security lighting must be full cutoff, shielded, or angled downward to focus the light only on the intended doorway or walkway.
Full Breakdown
Henrico County Code Sec. 24-3850 sets exterior lighting standards. All exterior building or security lighting must be full cutoff, shielded, or angled downward to focus light only on the intended doorway or walkway, and building-mounted 'accent lights' are permitted only when downward facing. Parking-lot fixtures must not exceed 30 feet in height, dropping to 20 feet within 50 feet of a property line, and pedestrian-walkway fixtures are capped at 10 to 15 feet. Lighting must be designed to prevent the direct view of the light source from neighboring residential areas. The county does not certify International Dark Sky status, but these full-cutoff and shielding rules serve the same glare- and light-pollution-reducing purpose.
Violations & Fines
Non-shielded or misdirected fixtures that violate Chapter 24 are a zoning violation subject to correction orders and fines. Lighting installations are reviewed against the county's landscape, lighting, and fence plan checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Henrico County require dark-sky compliant lighting?
How tall can a parking-lot light pole be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Henrico County
Compare Henrico County to another location·View the Virginia outdoor lighting overview
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