Streetlight Request & Outage Reporting - Arlington Ordinance

Utilities and Infrastructure Virginia 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Virginia

Introduction

Arlington, Virginia residents can request new LED streetlights or report outages to maintain safe, well-lit streets. This guide explains who owns streetlights, the step-by-step reporting and request process, what departments enforce lighting rules, and how to appeal decisions. It consolidates official county and utility procedures so you can act quickly when a streetlight is out or when you believe a new LED fixture is needed.

Start by identifying ownership: Arlington County or the utility company.

How ownership works and when to report

Many streetlights in Arlington are owned and maintained by the local utility; Arlington County coordinates requests for new installations and may provide guidance on LED conversions. To report outages or request new installations follow the county request process or the utility reporting tool noted below.[1][2]

Penalties & Enforcement

There is no specific Arlington municipal fine schedule for failing to maintain public streetlights published on the county request pages; monetary penalties and specific enforcement provisions for streetlight maintenance are not specified on the cited pages.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcement authority: Arlington County Department of Environmental Services or Transportation for county-controlled fixtures; utility owner (e.g., Dominion Energy) enforces maintenance for utility-owned lights.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to repair or replace fixtures, service directives to the utility, and potential civil actions if county code provisions apply—specific remedies not specified on the cited page.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: file a county service request or report a streetlight problem with the utility; see the Help and Support section for official contacts.
  • Appeals and review: formal appeals or disputes over county decisions follow Arlington County administrative procedures; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited county pages.
If you need an immediate safety repair, report the outage to the utility first.

Applications & Forms

To report outages, use the utility streetlight problem report form; to request a new LED streetlight submit a county service request for evaluation. Fees, application names, and deadlines are not published on the county request overview and are listed as not specified on the cited page.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm ownership: check the pole for utility tags or contact Arlington County to determine whether the light is county- or utility-owned.
  2. Report an outage to the utility using its streetlight problem form or emergency phone number; follow up with a county service request if the fixture appears to be county responsibility.
    Keep the pole number or nearest address when you report.
  3. Request a new LED streetlight by submitting a county service request describing location, reason, and any safety concerns.
  4. Allow time for evaluation: the county or utility will inspect and determine feasibility, timeline, and any required permits.
  5. Pay fees if required: the county or utility will advise if installation or inspection fees apply; current fee information is not specified on the cited pages.
Document the request ID for any follow-up or appeal.

FAQ

Who maintains streetlights in Arlington?
Maintenance is typically by the utility company for utility-owned fixtures; Arlington County handles county-owned installations and coordinates new requests.
How do I report a streetlight outage?
Report outages through the utility’s streetlight problem report and also submit a county service request if you believe the light is county-owned or if the utility response is delayed.[2]
Can I request an LED conversion for my block?
Yes—submit a county service request describing location and safety reasons; the county will evaluate feasibility and priorities.
Are there fees or permits to install a new streetlight?
Fees and permit requirements depend on ownership and installation type; specific fees are not specified on the cited county pages.

Key Takeaways

  • Start by identifying whether the utility or county owns the fixture.
  • Report outages to the utility and file a county service request for new installations or coordination.

Help and Support / Resources

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