Little Elm, TX Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Little Elm's development standards limit the amount of light that may spill from one property onto another. For any property adjacent to a residential use, light levels at the shared property line must not exceed one foot-candle as measured on a horizontal plane. This applies to all exterior lighting including security lights, landscape lighting, sports court lighting, and decorative fixtures. Residents who believe a neighbor's lighting is causing excessive glare or illumination can file a complaint with the Town of Little Elm Code Enforcement Division. An officer will investigate and may use a light meter to measure illumination levels at the property line. If a violation is confirmed, the property owner receives a notice of violation and a reasonable compliance period, typically 10 to 30 days. Corrective actions may include re-aiming fixtures, adding shielding, reducing wattage, or replacing fixtures entirely. HOA architectural review committees in communities like Paloma Creek and Union Park may also address light-trespass complaints through their own covenant enforcement process, which can impose fines separate from city penalties.