Lubbock's Outdoor Lighting: The Rules That Matter

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

New development in Lubbock's Base Mixed-Use districts must use International Dark-Sky Association-certified fixtures, and citywide outdoor lighting must stay at 3,000 Kelvins or below to cut blue light that washes out the night sky.

Key details: Required certification: IDA Fixture Seal of Approval (Dark-Sky). Applies to: New development in MU-1, MU-2, MU-3, MU-5. Max color temperature citywide: 3,000 Kelvins. Sensor requirement: Timers/dimmers/motion sensors when not needed for safety. Adopted: Ordinance 2023-O0054, 5/9/2023.

Noncompliant new development lighting is caught at Site Development Plan review, since an Outdoor Lighting Plan demonstrating compliance with the Division is a submittal requirement (§ 39.03.029(i)). Once installed, a violation of the UDC's lighting standards is enforced as a misdemeanor under § 39.09.004(b)(1), punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.00, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense, and the Director of Code Enforcement may also sue to abate the violation directly.

Light Trespass & Shielding

Lubbock caps how much outdoor light a property can throw onto its neighbors, setting maximum vertical illuminance at the lot line by the zoning of the adjacent lot, from 0.5 footcandles next to single-family homes up to 2.5 footcandles along streets and alleys.

Key details: Cap next to single-family lots: 0.5 footcandles at lot line. Cap next to street/alley: 2.5 footcandles. Shielding trigger: Required over 1,500 lumens. Correction window for glare nuisance: 180 days after written notice. Maximum fine: $2,000.00 per day of violation.

A property that keeps a glaring fixture past the 180-day correction window after written notice, or that installs new lighting exceeding the vertical illuminance table, is enforced under the UDC's general violations article: any person, landowner, or occupant who violates the UDC is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000.00, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense (§ 39.09.004(b)(1)). The Director of Code Enforcement can also file suit to abate the condition directly (§ 39.09.004(b)(2)).

The Bottom Line

Lubbock'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 Lubbock is broadly strict or permissive.

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