Dark Sky Rules: Allen vs McKinney
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Allen, TX and McKinney, TX?
Allen and McKinney have similar restriction levels.
Allen, TX
Collin County
Allen has no formal dark-sky ordinance but requires shielded fixtures on commercial properties and limits spillover to 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. Parking lot lights must use full-cutoff fixtures after 11 PM.
View full Allen rules →McKinney, TX
Collin County
McKinney does not have a formal dark-sky designation, but the Zoning Ordinance requires outdoor lighting be shielded and downward-directed in all districts. Commercial parking lot lighting must meet IES full cutoff standards and not exceed 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines.
View full McKinney rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Allen | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Spillover | 0.5 foot-candles max | - |
| Commercial | Full-cutoff fixtures | - |
| Curfew | 11 PM for parking lots | - |
| IDA Status | Not designated | - |
| Cutoff | - | Full cutoff over 1,800 lm |
| Property Line | - | 0.5 fc max at residential |
| Canopy | - | Flat-lens recessed |
| Sports | - | Turn-off times required |
| Dark Sky | - | Not formally designated |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Allen FAQ
Do residential homes need dark-sky lighting in Allen?
No specific requirements for homes, but lights cannot create excessive spillover or glare onto neighboring property under the nuisance provisions.
Who enforces this in Allen?
Allen code enforcement at (214) 509-4100 handles complaints.
McKinney FAQ
Who enforces this in McKinney?
McKinney code enforcement at (972) 547-7500 handles complaints.
Who enforces this in McKinney?
McKinney code enforcement at (972) 547-7500 handles complaints.
Compare other topics
See how Allen and McKinney compare on other ordinance categories.
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