Charleston, WV Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Off-street parking & loading areas
- Security lighting
- Only after-hours exception allowed
- Aiming rule
- No light toward residential lots
- Citation
- Zoning Ordinance Sec. 23-040-08
Summary
Charleston's zoning code requires off-street parking and loading lot lighting to point away from residential lots, shield public streets and adjoining land from glare, and stay off outside operating hours except for necessary security lighting.
Lighting of a parking area shall not interfere with surrounding areas or traffic flow. 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
Charleston's Zoning Ordinance regulates lighting for off-street parking and loading areas across the city. Fixtures must be arranged so no light source points toward lots used or zoned for residential use, and lighting has to be designed to shield public streets and all adjacent land from distracting glare or hazardous interference. Vehicular use areas can't stay lit outside the operating hours of the business they serve: the ordinance carves out one exception, allowing lighting to stay on overnight only when it qualifies as necessary security lighting. The Planning Director's office administers the zoning code citywide.
Violations & Fines
Zoning enforcement can order noncompliant fixtures relocated, redirected, or turned off outside operating hours; continued noncompliance can bring a citation under the city's zoning enforcement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave floodlights on overnight for security?
Do parking lot lights have to be shielded from a neighbor's house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia outdoor lighting overview
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