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Chesterfield County, VA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Spillover cap
0.5 foot-candle above background
Measured at
Adjacent residential lot line
Exempt
Single-family residential uses
Also required
Shielded directional fixtures
Citation
Sec. 19.1-205.A

Summary

Except for single-family homes, exterior lighting in Chesterfield may not cast more than 0.5 foot-candle above background light, measured at the property line of adjacent residential land. Fixtures must also shield the light source from neighbors.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Chesterfield County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

With the exception of single family residential uses, the direct or reflected illumination of exterior lights shall not exceed 0.5 foot candle above background, measured at the lot line of an adjacent A, R, R-TH, MH or R-MF property.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Zoning Ordinance Sec. 19.1-205 controls light trespass onto neighbors. For all uses except single-family residential, the direct or reflected illumination from exterior lights may not exceed 0.5 foot-candle above background, measured at the lot line of an adjacent residential (A, R, R-TH, MH or R-MF) property. The ordinance also requires directional, shielded fixtures. Single-family homes are exempt from the numeric cap, so a homeowner's floodlight shining onto a neighbor is usually addressed through general nuisance principles rather than this section. Commercial and multifamily developments demonstrate compliance through a lighting plan at site-plan review.

Violations & Fines

Nonresidential lighting exceeding the 0.5 foot-candle spillover limit is a zoning violation; the county may require re-aiming, shielding or reduced output, enforced through the zoning administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much light can spill onto my property?
For non-single-family uses, no more than 0.5 foot-candle above background at your lot line. Single-family home lighting is exempt from this numeric limit.
My neighbor's floodlight shines in my window. What can I do?
If it is a business or apartment, cite the 0.5 foot-candle limit. Between single-family homes, pursue it as a nuisance, since the cap exempts single-family uses.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chesterfield County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSignificant RestrictionsDark Sky RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Chesterfield County rules

Compare Chesterfield County to another location·View the Virginia outdoor lighting overview

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