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Washington County, MD Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

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

Key Facts

Max at residential boundary
0.5 footcandles
Max at any lot boundary
1.0 footcandle
Unshielded fixtures
prohibited
Mercury vapor lamps
prohibited
Measurement point
5 ft above grade at boundary

Summary

Washington County caps light spilling onto a neighboring residential lot at 0.5 footcandles measured at the boundary, bans unshielded fixtures and mercury vapor lamps outright, and lets an inspector order any glare or trespass violation corrected.

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

(b) Glare and Light Trespass: Exterior lighting shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in a manner that minimizes off-site glare, light trespass on neighboring lots, and traffic hazards for motorists. Glare control shall be accomplished primarily through the proper selection and application of lighting equipment... At the boundary of any residential district or lot occupied by an existing residential use, 0.5 [footcandles].

View official code

Full Breakdown

3(b) of the Washington County Zoning Ordinance requires exterior lighting to be 'designed, constructed, and maintained in a manner that minimizes off-site glare, light trespass on neighboring lots, and traffic hazards for motorists,' with glare control handled first through fixture selection before landscaping or fencing screens are considered. 5 at the boundary of a residential district or a lot occupied by an existing residential use, the strictest limit in the table. 3(e), with the fixture's contribution measured by comparing on and off readings after dark.

5 flatly prohibits three categories regardless of intensity: unshielded lighting that provides minimal or no cutoff, animated lighting such as flashing or flickering fixtures not part of a sign, and mercury vapor lighting. 6, though the Zoning Inspector can still impose reasonable restrictions on temporary event lighting.

Violations & Fines

Section 22.10.8 authorizes the Zoning Administrator to order a fixture producing measurable off-site glare or light trespass adjusted to comply, even if it was installed under an approved plan. A conviction for a Division X violation under Section 26.1 is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and each day of continued trespass a separate offense; the county may instead issue a civil citation under Section 26.2.1 capped at $500 per violation, doubling if unpaid within 15 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much light can spill onto my property from a neighbor's business in Washington County, Maryland?
Section 22.10.3(c) caps the intensity at the boundary of a residential district or lot at 0.5 footcandles, the strictest limit in the county's lighting table, measured with a calibrated light meter.
Are mercury vapor lights allowed?
No. Section 22.10.5(c) prohibits mercury vapor lighting outright, alongside unshielded fixtures with minimal or no cutoff and animated lighting such as flashing or flickering fixtures that aren't part of a sign.
What can I do if a neighboring property's lights shine onto my house?
You can raise it with the Zoning Administrator, who can order the fixture adjusted under Section 22.10.8 even if it was installed under an approved plan, and a continuing violation can be pursued as a misdemeanor under Section 26.1 or a civil citation under Section 26.2.1.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washington County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsDark Sky RulesSome RestrictionsBillboard LightingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Washington County rules

Compare Washington County to another location·View the Maryland outdoor lighting overview

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