Carrollton vs Dallas
How do light trespass rules compare between Carrollton, TX and Dallas, TX?
Carrollton and Dallas have similar restriction levels.
Carrollton, TX
Dallas County
Carrollton prohibits outdoor lighting that causes unreasonable glare or illumination on neighboring properties. Light trespass complaints are handled through code enforcement.
View full Carrollton rules →Dallas, TX
Dallas County
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.
View full Dallas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carrollton | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Property Line | 0.5 to 1.0 fc maximum | - |
| Security Lights | Must be aimed/shielded | - |
| Enforcement | Complaint-driven | - |
| Topic | Light Trespass | - |
| Code Section | - | Sec. 51A-13.601 |
| Standard | - | Light must not cross property lines |
| Fixture Height | - | 30 ft max above parking |
| Non-Business Luminance | - | 200 foot-lamberts maximum |
| Full Cutoff | - | Required for all fixtures |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carrollton FAQ
My neighbor's floodlight shines into my bedroom. What can I do?
File a light trespass complaint with Carrollton code enforcement. Most codes require lights to be shielded and aimed so they don't illuminate neighboring properties.
Are holiday lights exempt from light trespass rules?
Temporary holiday displays are often exempt during the holiday season, typically November through January. However, they still cannot create a safety hazard.
Dallas FAQ
What can I do about a neighbor's bright lights in Dallas?
File a complaint with Code Compliance. Sec. 51A-13.601 prohibits lighting that substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of any other property and requires light to be contained on-site.
Are there specific brightness limits?
In non-business zoning districts, no illuminated sign or light shall have a luminance greater than 200 foot-lamberts. All fixtures must be full cutoff type with light contained on-site.
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