Haltom City, TX Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Haltom City addresses light trespass through the outdoor lighting and nuisance provisions of its code of ordinances. Light trespass is defined as light that strays beyond the property line of the source and shines onto adjacent property in a manner that creates glare, disturbs sleep, or reduces use and enjoyment of the neighbor's property. For commercial and multi-family developments, the ordinance establishes maximum illuminance levels at the property line: typically 0.5 foot-candles at a commercial-to-commercial boundary and 0.1 foot-candles at a commercial-to-residential boundary. Fixtures must be shielded full cut-off design so no light is emitted above the horizontal plane. Sign lighting, canopy lighting, and parking lot poles must be designed with photometric calculations submitted during site plan review to demonstrate compliance. For residential properties, the ordinance does not impose specific illuminance thresholds but treats excessive light trespass as a nuisance. Neighbors disturbed by a floodlight, porch light, or landscape light shining into windows or yard can report the issue to Haltom City Code Enforcement, which investigates and works with the property owner to reaim, shield, or replace the fixture. Common remedies include adding a shield or baffle, lowering the fixture wattage, adjusting the aim angle, replacing a bare bulb with a downward-pointing cutoff fixture, or installing motion sensors so the light is not continuously on. Disputes between neighbors about lighting can also be pursued as private nuisance actions in Tarrant County court if the city cannot resolve the matter administratively. Holiday decorative lighting, emergency lights, and temporary construction lighting are generally exempt from light trespass limits for their duration.