Dark Sky Rules: Denton vs Little Elm
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Denton, TX and Little Elm, TX?
Denton and Little Elm have similar restriction levels.
Denton, TX
Denton County
Denton Development Code (Subchapter 19, Outdoor Lighting) establishes outdoor lighting standards that incorporate dark-sky principles for new development and major renovations. All new non-residential and multi-family lighting must be fully shielded to direct light downward and minimize skyglow. Denton adopted these standards to reduce light pollution affecting the University of North Texas observatory and surrounding residential neighborhoods.
View full Denton rules →Little Elm, TX
Denton County
Little Elm requires shielded outdoor lighting fixtures and limits glare through its zoning standards. Light at residential property boundaries must not exceed one foot-candle.
View full Little Elm rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Denton | Little Elm |
|---|---|---|
| Shielding | Full-cutoff required for new non-residential | - |
| Max Height | 25 ft commercial, 20 ft near residential | - |
| Mercury Vapor | Prohibited in new installations | - |
| Residential | Single-family exempt from Development Code | - |
| Contact | (940) 349-8530 Development Services | - |
| Fixture Requirement | - | Fully shielded or full-cutoff |
| Property Line Limit | - | 1 foot-candle max at residential boundary |
| Review Stage | - | Site plan and building permit |
| HOA Standards | - | Often stricter than city code |
| Max Fine | - | Up to $500 per offense |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Denton FAQ
Does Denton have a dark sky ordinance?
Denton has outdoor lighting standards in its Development Code that incorporate dark-sky principles. New commercial, industrial, and multi-family lighting must be fully shielded to direct light downward and minimize glare and skyglow.
Do Denton dark sky rules apply to my house?
Single-family residential properties are generally exempt from the Development Code lighting standards. However, your HOA may have dark-sky covenants, and excessive residential lighting that creates a nuisance for neighbors can be addressed through the nuisance ordinance.
Are mercury vapor lights banned in Denton?
Mercury vapor lamps are prohibited in new lighting installations under the Development Code. Existing mercury vapor fixtures are grandfathered unless the property undergoes a major renovation requiring site plan review.
Little Elm FAQ
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