On-premise electronic message centers in Dallas must hold each message for a minimum dwell time and may not exceed nighttime brightness limits set by Chapter 51A-7. Off-premise digital billboards remain prohibited; static-billboard lighting must avoid sky glare.
Dallas Chapter 51A-7 governs illumination of all signs. On-premise electronic message centers (LED menu boards, gas-price signs, marquee displays) must keep each static message on screen for a minimum dwell time of eight seconds, transition instantly without animation, and dim automatically at sunset to a luminance not exceeding roughly 0.3 foot-candles above ambient measured at the prescribed distance. Off-premise digital billboards remain banned. Conventional static billboards may be externally illuminated only by shielded, downward-aimed fixtures so light is confined to the sign face and no glare or sky-glow spills onto adjacent property or interstate travel lanes. TxDOT lighting standards under Transportation Code Chapter 391 apply concurrently to highway-facing signs.
Brightness, dwell-time, or unshielded-fixture violations are Class C misdemeanors under Chapter 51A-7 with fines up to $2,000 per day. Repeated violations can result in permit revocation and physical removal of the sign by Code Compliance.
Dallas, TX
Dallas Code Chapter 51A-7 prohibits new digital billboards and conversions of existing static billboards to digital. A long-running moratorium reflects counc...
Dallas, TX
Dallas does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance. Site lighting is regulated under Development Code Sec. 51A-13.601, which requires all lighting fixtures...
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