Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Dallas County, TX Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: TX LGC Section 240.032 →

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Key Facts

County Ordinance: None
State Authority: TX LGC Section 240.032 (not applicable)
Shielding Required: No
HOA Rules: May apply

City-specific rules exist: Richardson, Mesquite, Carrollton, Dallas, Irving, and Garland have their own dark sky rules rules that differ from Dallas County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

No county dark sky ordinance. TX LGC Section 240.032 authorizes outdoor lighting regulation only for counties within 57 miles of McDonald Observatory. Dallas County is not in that zone. No light shielding requirements.

Full Breakdown

There are no dark sky rules for unincorporated Dallas County. TX Local Government Code Section 240.032 authorizes counties to regulate outdoor lighting, but only for counties within 57 miles of a major astronomical observatory (McDonald Observatory in West Texas). Dallas County is far outside this zone and has no authority to regulate outdoor lighting. There are no light shielding requirements, cutoff specifications, or fixture standards. HOA covenants may impose lighting standards in some subdivisions.

Violations & Fines

No county dark sky violations. TX LGC Section 240.032 does not apply to Dallas County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there outdoor lighting rules in unincorporated Dallas County?

No. The county has no outdoor lighting ordinance. You may install any type of lighting on your property without county restrictions.

Can I complain about my neighbor's bright lights?

There is no county light pollution ordinance. Extremely bright lights may potentially be addressed as a nuisance under state law, but no specific foot-candle limits exist.

How does Dallas County compare?

See how Dallas County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.

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Dallas County, TX Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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