Prince William County measures outdoor light in foot-candles under its Chapter 32 lighting standards (§ 32-250.202) and Subdivisions Code § 25-30. Site and subdivision lighting must be shielded and limited so glare and spillover onto neighboring residential property are controlled.
The county's outdoor-lighting standards regulate light trespass by requiring full cut-off, downward-directed fixtures and limiting foot-candle levels, especially near residential property lines. A foot-candle is defined as the amount of light falling on a one-square-foot surface from a standard candle one foot away, measured with a photometric meter at grade. Nonresidential (§ 32-250.203) and multifamily (§ 32-250.205) uses have specific standards, and subdivision lighting must meet § 25-30 and the design manual. Existing single-family homes are largely exempt, so a neighbor's floodlight glare is often a private nuisance matter rather than a code violation. Confirm applicable limits with Development Services.
For regulated site/subdivision projects, lighting that exceeds foot-candle limits or spills onto adjoining lots can be denied approval or required to be shielded or reaimed.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Prince William County's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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