Montgomery County has no countywide dark-sky ordinance — unincorporated land cannot be zoned under Texas law. The Woodlands enforces shielded-lighting deed restrictions. Conroe's zoning code requires full-cutoff fixtures in commercial zones.
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 231 does not authorize Montgomery County to adopt dark-sky zoning in unincorporated areas — counties have no general zoning power. HB 2127 (Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, 2023) further preempts local overreach into state-occupied fields. Outdoor lighting control in unincorporated Montgomery County is therefore largely governed by private deed restrictions. The Woodlands Residential/Commercial Covenants require fixtures to be shielded and non-glaring, enforced by The Woodlands Township Covenant Administration. Conroe Zoning Ordinance Article 10 requires full-cutoff, downward-directed fixtures in commercial and multi-family zones, with light levels not exceeding 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. Magnolia and Willis generally follow IBC/IECC lighting provisions without standalone dark-sky rules. Unlike Bee Cave or Dripping Springs, no local jurisdiction in Montgomery County holds IDA certification.
Conroe non-cutoff commercial fixture: notice to correct, then Class C misdemeanor fine up to $500. Woodlands covenant violation: Covenant Administration citation and required retrofit. County roadway glare: no direct remedy unless it creates a public nuisance.
Montgomery County, TX
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Montgomery County, TX
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Montgomery County, TX
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Montgomery County, TX
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Montgomery County, TX
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Montgomery County, TX
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See how Montgomery County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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