Garland has outdoor lighting standards in the Development Code requiring shielded fixtures for new commercial and multi-family development. Lighting must be directed downward to minimize glare and sky glow. While not a Dark Sky designated community, Garland's standards promote responsible lighting for new development projects.
Garland enforces outdoor lighting standards through building codes and zoning regulations. New exterior lighting must use fully shielded (full-cutoff) fixtures that direct light downward. Maximum wattage and lumen limits may apply in residential zones. Motion-sensor lighting encouraged for security. Commercial lighting must not spill onto adjacent residential properties. Parking lot lighting has specific pole height and coverage requirements. Some jurisdictions adopt International Dark-Sky Association recommendations. LED lighting must meet color temperature guidelines, typically 3000K or below to reduce blue light emissions.
Non-compliant fixtures: notice to correct within 30 days. Failure to comply: fines $100 to $500. Commercial violations: permit revocation possible. Repeat offenders: daily fines.
Garland, TX
Amplified sound in Garland is regulated under Chapter 32; sound 'plainly audible' more than 50 feet from the source after 10 PM is a violation.
Garland, TX
Garland restricts construction noise to daytime hours, with most loud work prohibited overnight and limited on Sundays under Chapter 32 of the Code of Ordina...
Garland, TX
Garland permits leaf blower use under its general noise ordinance, restricting operation to daytime hours with no specific gas-powered ban.
Garland, TX
Garland regulates noise from industrial uses along the I-30 and IH-635 corridors through zoning performance standards and the Code of Ordinances Chapter 32 n...
Garland, TX
Garland generally allows overnight on-street parking in residential areas, but restricts vehicles parked continuously in the same spot for more than 48-72 ho...
Garland, TX
Garland follows Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683, defining vehicles as junked or abandoned if inoperable, unregistered, wrecked, or left on public prope...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how other cities in Dallas County handle dark sky rules.
See how Garland's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.