Dark Sky Rules: Flower Mound vs Little Elm

Flower Mound regulates outdoor lighting through its zoning ordinance and development standards to minimize light pollution and preserve nighttime sky quality in the community. New commercial, multifamily, and subdivision developments must use fully shielded, downward-directed fixtures and submit photometric plans during the development review process. The town's lighting standards address fixture types, maximum mounting heights, footcandle levels at property boundaries, and acceptable glare levels to reduce sky glow across the community. Development adjacent to the Cross Timbers Conservation Development District and other environmentally sensitive natural areas may face additional lighting restrictions imposed during the planned development approval process. These requirements reflect the town's commitment to balancing necessary security and safety lighting with the preservation of the natural character that defines Flower Mound's identity as a community surrounded by preserved open space and conservation corridors.

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.