Leander, TX Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Illumination cap
- 2 footcandles at property line
- Fixture rule
- Shielded, non-flashing, no visible source
- Wall packs
- Barred if glare faces streets/homes
- Required for permit
- Lighting and photometric plan
Summary
Leander requires nonresidential outdoor lighting to be shielded and non-flashing so the light source isn't visible from the right-of-way or neighboring homes, capped at 2 footcandles at the property line.
(a)The purpose of this section is to provide design standards for site and building lighting that are Dark Sky compliant and compatible with adjacent uses.(b)Non-residential outdoor lighting will be in accordance with other provisions of this ordinance and City building codes. A detailed lighting plan and photometric plan shall be included with the Building Permit application and shall meet the following requirements:(1)Outdoor Lighting.a.Fixture.i.All permanent exterior lighting shall be non-flashing and shielded such that the light source (cone of direct light) is not visible from the public ROW or adjacent residential uses at the property line (see Figure R - following page).ii.Wall pack lighting or other lighting that directs the light in a horizontal direction without an adequate shield is not permitted (since it directs the light glare directly outward) if there are streets or residential uses in the direction of the light.b.Illumination Levels.i.All site lighting shall be designed and installed so that the level of illumination as measured in foot candles at a height of three (3') feet at the property line does not exceed two (2') footcandles.(c)Residential outdoor lighting on residential property will be installed in accordance with applicable City Code Standards. It will be located so as not to create a nuisance for adjoining property owners.
(Ordinance 05-18-00 adopted 9/1/05; Ordinance 16-065-00, sec. 21, adopted 7/21/16)
Full Breakdown
Article VI, Section 12 of Leander's Zoning Ordinance (Exhibit A to the Code of Ordinances) sets Dark Sky-compliant lighting standards for nonresidential and multifamily development in this Williamson County city. A detailed lighting and photometric plan must accompany the building permit application. All permanent exterior fixtures must be non-flashing and shielded so the light source itself isn't visible from the public right-of-way or from adjacent residential property lines, and wall-pack fixtures that throw glare horizontally toward streets or homes aren't allowed. Site lighting is capped at 2 footcandles of illumination measured at a height of 3 feet at the property line. Residential lighting must follow City Code standards and avoid creating a nuisance for neighbors.
Violations & Fines
Lighting plans that don't meet the shielding and footcandle limits are rejected at building-permit review; installed fixtures found out of compliance can draw a code-enforcement order to re-shield or replace them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Leander require Dark Sky-compliant lighting for businesses?
Are wall-pack lights allowed on commercial buildings in Leander?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Leander
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Leander to another location·View the Texas outdoor lighting overview
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Dark Sky Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Williamson County handle dark sky rules.