Harris County has no dark sky ordinance and cannot adopt one under current Texas law. Texas HSC Chapter 425 restricts local outdoor lighting regulation except near military bases or observatories. Harris County is not a designated Dark Sky Community.
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 425 significantly limits local government authority to regulate outdoor lighting. Counties can only adopt outdoor lighting ordinances if they are near a major astronomical observatory, military installation, or have an existing Dark Sky Community designation from the International Dark-Sky Association. Harris County meets none of these criteria and has no dark sky ordinance. The 2021 Texas Legislature further restricted local outdoor lighting regulation. Light pollution complaints in unincorporated Harris County must be addressed through deed restrictions, HOA architectural guidelines, or civil nuisance claims.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Harris County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle dark sky rules.
See how Tomball's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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