Outdoor Lighting in Abilene, TX (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Abilene, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Abilene requires all new outdoor lighting fixtures to be fully shielded so no light or glare spills onto adjacent property, preserving the area's dark sky under Land Development Code Section 4.2.7.1. Fixtures already installed before the ordinance took effect are grandfathered, but a Lighting Plan showing compliance must be approved before the city issues a Certificate of Occupancy for any new development.
Abilene Requires Fully Shielded Outdoor Lighting
Some RestrictionsAbilene Land Development Code Sec. 4.2.7.1(a), (f)
(a)Purpose. The purpose of this subsection is to provide for adequate and safe lighting of private property, while limiting light spillover and glare onto adjacent properties and public streets. Such limitations are intended to prevent the creation of nuisances, promote traffic safety, conserve energy, and preserve the area's dark sky. ... (f)Lighting Standards:(1)Use of fully shielded light fi...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Abilene bans glare that reaches beyond the property line: Land Development Code Section 4.2.7.2(a) states no direct or reflected glare may be visible at the lot line in any zoning district except Heavy Industrial (HI). The rule works with the fully-shielded fixture mandate in Section 4.2.7.1, which defines glare as light causing visual discomfort or a loss of visual performance for a neighbor.
Abilene Bans Glare Visible at the Lot Line
Some RestrictionsAbilene Land Development Code Sec. 4.2.7.2(a)
(a)Within all districts, with the exception of HI, no direct or reflected glare shall be visible at the lot line.
Looking for Taylor County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Abilene city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Taylor County →