Garland's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles outdoor lighting a little differently. In Garland, 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.

Dark Sky Rules

Garland has outdoor lighting standards in the Development Code requiring shielded fixtures for new commercial and multi-family development. Lighting must be directed downward to minimize glare and sky glow. While not a Dark Sky designated community, Garland's standards promote responsible lighting for new development projects.

Key details: Requirement: Shielded fixtures for new development. Direction: Downward-directed required. Lighting Plan: Required for commercial/multi-family. Residential: Less strict for single-family. Code: Garland Development Code.

Non-compliant fixtures: notice to correct within 30 days. Failure to comply: fines $100 to $500. Commercial violations: permit revocation possible. Repeat offenders: daily fines.

Light Trespass

Garland's Development Code includes provisions to prevent light trespass. Outdoor lighting for new development must not unreasonably spill onto adjacent properties. Residents may file nuisance complaints about excessive light from neighbors through Code Compliance.

Key details: Standard: Light must not spill unreasonably beyond property. New Development: Lighting plans required. Complaints: Code Compliance investigates. Residential: Nuisance standard applies. Remedy: Shielding or repositioning required.

Light trespass complaint: warning and 30-day correction period. Non-compliance: fines $100 to $300 per violation. Repeated complaints: escalating fines. Commercial violations: up to $1,000.

The Bottom Line

Garland'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 Garland is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Garland's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.