Flower Mound, TX Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Flower Mound's development standards establish measurable, enforceable limits on light trespass to protect residential properties from excessive illumination originating on adjacent commercial, multifamily, or institutional sites. Light levels measured at a residential property boundary must not exceed 0.5 footcandles from any adjacent non-residential use. This quantitative standard is enforced at two points in the development lifecycle. During the initial development review process, applicants must submit photometric plans that model light distribution patterns from all proposed exterior fixtures, demonstrating that the 0.5 footcandle limit is met at every point along the residential property boundary. The photometric plan must account for fixture types, lamp lumens, mounting heights, aiming angles, and any shielding or cutoff characteristics. Plans that show exceedances at the property line must be revised before building permits are issued. Post-construction, code compliance officers respond to complaints by measuring actual light levels using a calibrated footcandle meter at the property line during nighttime hours. If measured levels exceed 0.5 footcandles, the commercial or multifamily property owner receives a notice of violation requiring corrective action within a specified timeframe. Common corrective measures include installing external shield accessories on existing fixtures, re-aiming adjustable fixtures downward or away from the residential boundary, reducing lamp wattage, removing excessive decorative lighting, and adjusting automated lighting control schedules. Glare from unshielded wall-pack fixtures, improperly aimed security spotlights, or over-illuminated monument signage are the most frequent sources of light trespass complaints filed with Flower Mound code compliance. For residential-to-residential disputes, the town does not enforce a specific footcandle limit between single-family homes. However, excessively bright or nuisance-level lighting intentionally or negligently directed at neighboring homes may be addressed as a general nuisance under Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances. Security lighting on residential properties should be directed downward and aimed away from neighboring windows and outdoor living areas. HOA architectural committees in master-planned communities like Bridlewood, Wellington, and Lakeside commonly review exterior lighting plans for new construction and renovation projects and may impose restrictions on fixture count, brightness, and placement beyond the minimum municipal standards. Residents experiencing light trespass should document the issue with photographs and contact code compliance for investigation.