Carrollton's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Carrollton, Texas, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Light Trespass & Shielding

Carrollton caps light trespass onto neighboring property at two-tenths of a foot-candle measured five feet above grade at the property line, under Article 28 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (updated April 7, 2026). Separately, Code of Ordinances § 92.56 makes glare crossing a bounding property line that violates that standard a prosecutable nuisance.

Key details: Trespass limit: 0.2 foot-candle at property line, 5 ft high. Governing instrument: Zoning Ordinance Art. 28 § B, Apr. 7 2026. Mercury vapor lamps: Prohibited citywide. Max fine: $2,000 per offense, § 10.99(A)(2). Each day: Separate offense under § 92.99.

A light-trespass violation is prosecuted as a Chapter 92 nuisance offense under § 92.99, punishable under § 10.99(A)(2), up to $2,000 per offense because Chapter 92 falls in the zoning/public-health fine tier. Each day the excess glare continues is a separate offense. Development Services' Planning Department, through the City Manager's designee, enforces the Article 28 lighting standard on new and altered fixtures and can act on neighbor complaints of glare crossing a property line.

Billboard Lighting

Carrollton bans new commercial billboards outright under § 151.12(E) of the Sign Code, but lets a nonconforming billboard convert to digital under § 151.71 if its lighting stays within strict limits: static messages only, no flashing, scintillating or animated lighting, and compliance with the state's electronic-sign brightness rules in 43 Texas Administrative Code §§ 21.252-21.260.

Key details: New billboards: Prohibited outright, § 151.12(E). Digital conversion: Only via nonconforming-billboard permit, § 151.71. Lighting limit: No flashing, scintillating or varying intensity. Face exchange ratio: 3 static faces removed per 1 digital face. State lighting rule: 43 TAC §§ 21.252-21.260, Electronic Signs.

Erecting a new commercial billboard, or converting a nonconforming billboard's face to digital without an approved § 151.71 permit and the required 3-to-1 face removal, is a Sign Code violation punishable under § 10.99(A)(1)(o), which caps Chapter 151 fines at $500.00, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense under § 10.99(B).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Carrollton actively enforces its billboard lighting requirements.

The Bottom Line

Carrollton's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Carrollton is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Carrollton's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.