Light Trespass: Denton vs Flower Mound

Denton Development Code and nuisance ordinance address light trespass -- unwanted artificial light spilling from one property onto another. New commercial and multi-family development must demonstrate that outdoor lighting does not exceed 0.5 foot-candles at the property line when adjacent to residential zones. Residential light trespass complaints between single-family neighbors are handled through the general nuisance provisions in Chapter 34.

Flower Mound limits light trespass from commercial and multifamily properties to no more than 0.5 footcandles measured at the adjacent residential property line. The town's development standards require photometric plans demonstrating compliance before issuance of building permits for new non-residential projects. Post-construction enforcement uses calibrated light meter readings taken by code compliance officers in response to resident complaints. Residential complaints about excessive lighting from neighboring commercial or multifamily developments are investigated through the code compliance process. For residential-to-residential disputes involving security lights, floodlights, or landscape lighting, the town addresses extreme cases as general nuisances under Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances, though specific footcandle limits are not applied between single-family homes. HOA architectural committees in communities like Bridlewood and Wellington often review and restrict exterior lighting installations as part of their design review process.