Outdoor Lighting in El Paso, TX (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for El Paso, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
El Paso has adopted outdoor lighting standards as part of its SmartCode (Title 21) and zoning regulations to address light pollution. The city is near the McDonald Observatory's dark-sky zone and has adopted provisions limiting excessive outdoor lighting. El Paso's lighting standards require full cutoff fixtures in many applications to direct light downward and reduce sky glow. The regulations address commercial, residential, and street lighting to preserve dark-sky conditions in the desert Southwest.
El Paso Dark Sky & Light Pollution Ordinance
Some RestrictionsLight Trespass
El Paso's outdoor lighting standards address light trespass through its SmartCode and zoning regulations. Outdoor lighting must be designed so that light does not unreasonably spill onto adjacent properties. Commercial and multi-family developments must demonstrate compliance with maximum illumination levels at property boundaries. Residential complaints about light trespass from neighboring commercial properties can be filed with Code Enforcement.
El Paso Light Trespass & Nuisance Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for El Paso County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement El Paso city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in El Paso County →