Katy's zoning ordinance prohibits offensive glare from industrial-district uses and code enforcement treats unreasonable light intrusion onto neighboring property as a nuisance violation subject to citation.
Katy's Exhibit 14A Zoning Ordinance requires that permitted uses in the 'M' (Industrial) district not create offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odor, heat, or glare detectable beyond the property line. The same standard governs site plan review for non-residential development citywide, meaning fixtures must be designed and aimed to keep direct illumination on-site. Code Enforcement also handles general nuisance complaints, and lighting that unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of adjacent property may be abated as a nuisance. Katy has not adopted a comprehensive dark-sky ordinance with footcandle limits or curfews; enforcement is performance-based.
Zoning and nuisance violations are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $500 per day. Continuing violations may trigger site plan review revocation or stop-work orders for nonconforming installations.
See how other cities in Fort Bend County handle light trespass.
See how Katy's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
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