Outdoor Lighting in Dallas, TX (2026)
5 verified outdoor lighting rules for Dallas, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Dallas does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance. Site lighting is regulated under Development Code Sec. 51A-13.601, which requires all lighting fixtures to be full cutoff to minimize light spillage into the night sky and onto adjacent property. Only lighting used to accent architecture, landscaping, or art may be directed upward, and it must be aimed or shielded to minimize sky glow. Texas SB 1090 (2021) limits municipal authority to regulate outdoor lighting except for certified or aspiring Dark Sky Communities.
Dallas Dark Sky & Outdoor Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsLight Trespass
Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-13.601 prohibits lighting that substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of any other property. All fixtures must be full cutoff and mounted so the cone of light is contained on-site and does not cross any property line. Fixture height is limited to 30 feet above parking areas. Light luminance in non-business districts cannot exceed 200 foot-lamberts. Violations can be reported to Code Compliance.
Dallas Light Trespass Regulations
Some RestrictionsBillboard Lighting
On-premise electronic message centers in Dallas must hold each message for a minimum dwell time and may not exceed nighttime brightness limits set by Chapter 51A-7. Off-premise digital billboards remain prohibited; static-billboard lighting must avoid sky glare.
Dallas Limits Billboard Brightness and Dwell Times
Some RestrictionsSecurity Light Shielding
Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A-4.6 requires outdoor security and area lighting to be fully shielded with cutoff fixtures, aimed downward, and limited so light does not trespass onto adjacent residential property in violation of light-trespass standards.
Dallas Requires Shielded, Downward Security Lighting
Some RestrictionsHoliday Lighting Rules
Dallas Chapter 51A-4.6 exempts temporary holiday and seasonal decorative lighting from outdoor-lighting cutoff and trespass rules when displayed roughly November through January, provided it is removed promptly and does not create a documented nuisance to neighbors.
Dallas Holiday Lights Exempt from Lighting Code Seasonally
Few RestrictionsLooking for Dallas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Dallas city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Dallas County →