Houston does not have a dark sky ordinance. The city's primary lighting regulation is the 2023 Residential Buffering Ordinance, which addresses light trespass from commercial developments but does not comprehensively regulate outdoor lighting or light pollution.
Houston does not have a dedicated dark sky or comprehensive outdoor lighting ordinance. The 2023 Residential Buffering Ordinance (approved January 25, 2023, effective February 25, 2023) addresses light trespass from newly constructed mid-rise and high-rise commercial structures abutting residential properties. It requires fully enclosed and shielded outdoor fixtures to prevent light trespass and garage screening standards to prevent headlights from shining on adjacent residential properties. However, this is limited to new commercial construction, not a comprehensive dark sky policy. Texas state law (2021 legislative session) restricts municipalities from adopting new outdoor lighting ordinances unless they are already certified as a Dark Sky Community by the International Dark-Sky Association or have declared they are seeking the designation. Houston has not pursued Dark Sky certification.
Light trespass from new commercial construction may trigger building code enforcement under the Residential Buffering Ordinance. No general dark sky violations exist.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
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