Outdoor Lighting in Denton, TX (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Denton, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Denton's Development Code requires full cutoff, shielded, downcast fixtures for parking lots and pedestrian paths, capping light spillover onto neighboring properties at one foot-candle at the property line.
Denton Outdoor Lighting Shielding and Spillover Limits
Some RestrictionsDenton Development Code § 7.11.3
Except in the RR, R1, R2, and R3 zoning districts, sidewalks, internal pedestrian paths, and bicycle paths shall be lit with full cutoff shielded and downcast fixtures no more than 16 feet tall and providing consistent illumination of at least one foot-candle on the walking surface. Lighting along public rights-of-way and landscaped areas for a specific developm...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Denton exempts eave-height soffit and wall-mounted security lights on houses from full lighting review, but only if they're downcast and aimed away from neighboring properties; other building-mounted fixtures need shielding too.
Denton Security Light Downcast and Shielding Rule
Some RestrictionsDenton Development Code § 7.11.2.B (Exemptions — Single-Family, Duplex, and Townhouse Uses)
Single-Family Detached, Duplex, and Townhouse Uses: Soffit or wall-mounted lights permanently attached to the dwelling shall be exempt from the exterior lighting regulations, provided the lights do not exceed the height of the eave; and Such lights shall be downcast and directed away from abutting properties.
Billboard Lighting
Denton bans signs illuminated so intensely or without shielding that they hazard drivers or intrude on nearby homes, and bars flashing, moving, or digital illumination on billboards.
Denton Billboard and Sign Illumination Limits
Significant RestrictionsSec. 33-4(i)
(i)Certain illuminated signs.(1)Signs, illuminated form within or without, and which:a.Are illuminated in such a manner, to such intensity, or without proper shielding, so as to constitute a hazard to the operation of motor vehicles upon a public street or substantially interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of residential property; orb.Have any type of intermittent illumination, including fla...
Looking for Denton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Denton city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Denton County →