Outdoor Lighting Code Updates To Be Explored In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — The Town of Vienna didn't have many outdoor lighting guidelines before 2023's code update, and now the town is looking to further develop those guidelines.

Town government's Department of Planning and Zoning is looking for public feedback as it updates outdoor lighting regulations. It will hold meetings for residents and businesses to gather feedback.

The 2023 Code Create effort added more lighting regulations in town. According to the updated code, outdoor lights must have shielded lighting so that any directed light is confined to the property boundary. Lighting that abuts a single-family house property must have opaque shielding to reduce glare. The code also sets standards for parking lot lighting, pedestrian lighting and prohibited lighting. There are exceptions to the standards, including temporary holiday lighting, lighting required by building codes, lighting regulated by the FAA or other government agency, emergency lighting by first responders, and more.

The upcoming meetings on outdoor lighting regulations will be held for businesses on Nov. 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The meeting for residents will be held on Nov. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Both are at the Vienna Police Department Community Room (215 Center St. S).

Residents and business owners may also take a survey on outdoor lighting through February.