El Paso has adopted outdoor lighting standards as part of its SmartCode (Title 21) and zoning regulations to address light pollution. The city is near the McDonald Observatory's dark-sky zone and has adopted provisions limiting excessive outdoor lighting. El Paso's lighting standards require full cutoff fixtures in many applications to direct light downward and reduce sky glow. The regulations address commercial, residential, and street lighting to preserve dark-sky conditions in the desert Southwest.
New development must comply with outdoor lighting standards in the SmartCode. Full cutoff or shielded fixtures are required for most exterior lighting. Parking lot and commercial lighting must not exceed specified foot-candle levels at property boundaries. The standards aim to reduce light trespass, glare, and sky glow.
Non-compliant outdoor lighting in new development may result in permit denial or required modifications. Existing lighting that causes excessive light trespass may be subject to code enforcement complaints.
El Paso, TX
The City of El Paso does not regulate yard ornaments on private property. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allow...
El Paso, TX
El Paso has no ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind is the primary practical...
El Paso, TX
El Paso does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for holiday lights on private property. Holiday-light regulation in El Paso is overwhelming...
El Paso, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in El Paso require permits from Planning and Inspections for gas-line installation, electrical work, plumbing, and any structural e...
El Paso, TX
El Paso has no smoker-specific ordinance for single-family use, but backyard smokers fall under Title 9.04 nuisance code if smoke or odor unreasonably affect...
El Paso, TX
El Paso adopts the International Fire Code through Title 18 with local amendments, including IFC Section 308 prohibiting open-flame cooking devices on combus...
See how El Paso's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.