Lubbock has no formal dark-sky ordinance, but Lubbock Lake Landmark and regional astronomy interests at Texas Tech encourage shielded fixtures. New commercial lighting must meet zoning glare and trespass standards.
Lubbock is not an International Dark-Sky Community, but the Lubbock Lake Landmark (an archaeology park and National Historic Landmark) and Texas Tech University astronomy outreach promote shielded, downward-directed lighting. The zoning ordinance requires that outdoor lighting for commercial and multifamily sites be directed, shielded, or positioned to prevent glare on adjacent residential property. Nearby West Texas communities like Fort Davis follow strict dark-sky rules for the McDonald Observatory; Lubbock is outside that zone. Residents are encouraged but not required to use warm-color (below 3000K) LEDs and full-cutoff fixtures.
Glare onto adjacent residential: nuisance complaint, site plan review correction required.
Lubbock, TX
The City of Lubbock does not regulate yard ornaments on private property. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allow...
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock has no city ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind is the primary prac...
Lubbock, TX
The City of Lubbock does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for residential holiday lights. The general nuisance and right-of-way provision...
Lubbock, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Lubbock require permits from the City of Lubbock Building Inspection Department for gas line installation, electrical work, plum...
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock does not have a smoker-specific ordinance for single-family residential use, but backyard smokers fall under the general nuisance provisions of the C...
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock adopts the International Fire Code through the City of Lubbock Code of Ordinances, with Lubbock Fire Rescue as enforcement authority. IFC Section 308...
See how Lubbock's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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