Chesterfield County, VA Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Dark-sky ordinance
- None
- Rule
- Shield light source from view
- Applies to
- All but single-family homes
- Exceptions
- Special Design Districts
- Citation
- Sec. 19.1-205.B
Summary
Chesterfield has no formal dark-sky ordinance. Instead, the Zoning Ordinance requires exterior lighting (except single-family homes) to use directional fixtures that shield the light source from direct view from neighboring residential property or roads.
lighting standards shall be of a directional type capable of shielding the light source from direct view from an adjacent A, R, R-TH, MH or R-MF property, or road.
Full Breakdown
The county does not have a dark-sky or night-sky lighting ordinance. Its lighting control is Zoning Ordinance Sec. 19.1-205, which for all uses except single-family residential requires lighting standards to be a directional type capable of shielding the light source from direct view from adjacent residential (A, R, R-TH, MH or R-MF) property or a road. Special Design Districts and developments using ornamental pedestrian-style lighting are exceptions. There are no county foot-candle caps on single-family homes, but neighbors bothered by glare may still have nuisance remedies. Commercial and multifamily lighting plans are reviewed for shielding at site-plan stage.
Violations & Fines
Nonresidential lighting that is unshielded or exceeds the spillover limit is a zoning violation; the county can require corrective shielding, re-aiming or removal at site-plan review or by enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chesterfield have a dark-sky ordinance?
Do these lighting rules apply to my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chesterfield County
Compare Chesterfield County to another location·View the Virginia outdoor lighting overview
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