Garland, TX Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Maximum property-line intensity
- 0.5 footcandle above ambient
- Beam-control height threshold
- 3 feet
- Applies to
- All development types citywide
- Lighting Plan trigger
- Nonresidential/multifamily near residential zones
Summary
Garland caps outdoor lighting at 0.5 footcandle above ambient light measured at the property line and bars any light beam from crossing onto neighboring property above a height of three feet.
Any use is prohibited from operating in a manner so that the intensity of its glare or direct illumination projecting across the property boundary and onto another public or private property is a nuisance or detracts from the use or enjoyment of adjacent property. All outside lights must be made up of a light source and reflector designed such that the light beam is controlled and not directed across any of the property's boundaries onto other public or private property above a height of three feet. The allowable maximum intensity measured at the property line is 0.5 footcandle above the ambient light level, except as may be otherwise specified within this Article 7 for specific lighting situations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862189; v40 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
90, titled Glare - Direction & Intensity, prohibits any use from operating so that the intensity of its glare or direct illumination projecting across a property boundary onto another public or private property becomes a nuisance or detracts from the use or enjoyment of that adjacent property. All outside lights must use a light source and reflector designed so the light beam is controlled and not directed across any property boundary above a height of three feet. 8-footcandle walkway standard. 88 showing fixture types, locations, and photometric data demonstrating compliance before development proceeds, unless the Planning Director waives that requirement upon finding the lighting will not negatively affect neighboring properties.
Violations & Fines
The Planning Director reviews and can require additional photometric testing or a certified testing-laboratory report under Section 4.88(C) if a submitted Lighting Plan does not show compliance with the 0.5-footcandle property-line cap. A use whose lighting exceeds that cap or projects a beam above three feet across a boundary is operating in violation of Section 4.90 and is treated the same as any other Chapter 4 development-standard violation subject to code enforcement action and required remediation of the fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can a light be at my property line in Garland?
Can a neighbor's floodlight shine directly onto my yard?
Do I need city approval before installing site lighting near a home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Garland to another location·View the Texas outdoor lighting overview
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