Outdoor Lighting in Frisco, TX (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Frisco, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Frisco's Zoning Ordinance requires every outdoor light fixture on nonresidential property to be fully shielded so the bulb itself is never visible at three feet above grade on a lot line next to a home, or six feet elsewhere, and bans cobra-head style fixtures outright to protect the night sky and cut glare for drivers and neighbors.
Frisco Requires Fully Shielded Outdoor Lighting
Some RestrictionsFrisco Zoning Ordinance §§ 4.05.01, 4.05.02(C), 4.05.07
(C) Shielded light source required. (1) All luminaires located on nonresidential use properties shall be designed so that the light source (bulb or lamp) is completely shielded from direct view of at a point three (3) feet above grade on the lot line abutting a Protected Residential Property. (2) In all other instances, the light source must be completely shielded from direct view of at a point...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Frisco's Zoning Ordinance caps how much light can spill onto a neighbor's property: no more than one-quarter footcandle at a property line next to a Protected Residential Property, and one-half footcandle where the light spills toward a street right-of-way instead. The limit applies to every outdoor luminaire on private property, not just parking lot lights.
Frisco Caps Light Trespass At The Property Line
Some RestrictionsFrisco Zoning Ordinance § 4.05.02(D)
(D) Light trespass limitation.All luminaires located on private property shall be designed or positioned so that the maximum illumination at the property line next to a Protected Residential Property shall not exceed one-quarter (1/4) footcandle and shall not exceed one-half (1/2) footcandle adjacent to a street right-of-way. (E) Canopy lighting.Lighting recessed for canopies covering fueling s...
Billboard Lighting
Every illuminated sign in Frisco, including electronic message boards, is capped at 750 candelas per square meter under Section 70-28, and external fixtures must be fully shielded. The luminance limit kicks in a half hour before sunset and stays in force through sunrise, using NOAA sunset and sunrise times.
Frisco Sign Illumination Brightness Limit
Some RestrictionsFrisco Code of Ordinances § 70-28 (Sign Illumination)
Signs may be illuminated consistent with the following standards: (1) A sign in any zoning district may be illuminated at night. Signs that are illuminated at night may not exceed a maximum luminance level of 750 cd/m2 or Nits, regardless of the method of illumination. (2) Signs that have external illumination, whether the lighting is mounted above or below the sign face or panel, shall have li...
Looking for Collin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Frisco city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Collin County →