Lewisville limits light spillover from commercial and multifamily developments onto adjacent residential properties to 0.5 foot-candles at the property line under Unified Development Code Chapter 114. All commercial exterior fixtures must be full-cutoff design directing light downward rather than outward or upward, verified during site plan review and inspected prior to certificate of occupancy. Residential-to-residential light trespass is addressed through general nuisance provisions in Chapter 42 rather than specific illumination limits, with Code Enforcement evaluating complaints on a case-by-case basis. HOA architectural review committees in Castle Hills and Valley Vista may enforce additional exterior lighting standards.
Lewisville's Unified Development Code Chapter 114 establishes light trespass standards for commercial and multifamily developments during site plan review. Outdoor lighting on commercial properties must not produce illumination exceeding 0.5 foot-candles at property lines adjacent to residential zoning districts. All commercial exterior fixtures must be full-cutoff design directing light downward rather than outward or upward. These requirements are verified during plan review and may be inspected prior to certificate of occupancy issuance. For residential properties, Lewisville does not set specific foot-candle limits for neighbor-to-neighbor light trespass. Instead, excessive light from a residential property that substantially interferes with the use and enjoyment of an adjacent property may be addressed as a nuisance under Chapter 42. Code Enforcement officers evaluate complaints on a case-by-case basis considering the intensity, duration, and direction of the light. HOA architectural review committees in Castle Hills, Valley Vista, and other subdivisions may enforce additional standards on exterior lighting fixtures, including placement, wattage, and shielding requirements. Contact Code Enforcement at (972) 219-3437 to report light trespass concerns.
Commercial properties exceeding the 0.5 foot-candle limit at residential property lines may be denied a certificate of occupancy or required to retrofit non-compliant fixtures. Residential light trespass complaints determined to constitute a nuisance under Chapter 42 may result in a notice of violation and fines up to $500 per occurrence if not corrected.
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