Williamson County, TX Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- County dark-sky rule
- None for homes
- TX statute
- State-funded fixtures only
- Chapter 425
- Observatory/military areas
- Private rules
- HOA deed restrictions
Summary
Williamson County has no dark-sky lighting ordinance for private property. Texas has no general outdoor-lighting statute; Health and Safety Code Chapter 425 covers only state-funded fixtures and areas near observatories or military bases, none of which sit in the county.
An outdoor lighting fixture may be installed, replaced, maintained, or operated using state funds only if:
Full Breakdown
No Williamson County ordinance requires shielded or dark-sky-compliant lighting on private homes and businesses. Texas has no statewide dark-sky law for private property. Health and Safety Code Chapter 425 sets cutoff-luminaire standards only for outdoor lighting installed with state funds, and separate provisions let counties regulate lighting near a large observatory or military installation - neither of which is in Williamson County. Dark-sky rules that homeowners in Georgetown, Leander, or Sun City subdivisions must follow come from HOA deed restrictions, not the county. Cities may adopt their own lighting standards inside their limits.
Violations & Fines
The county issues no dark-sky citations to private property owners because no ordinance applies. HOAs enforce lighting covenants through civil action, and state-fund lighting standards bind government projects, not residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Williamson County require dark-sky lighting?
What is Health and Safety Code Chapter 425?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Williamson County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Williamson County to another location·View the Texas outdoor lighting overview
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