Midland, TX Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielding near residential lots
- Full shield at 3 ft above grade
- Shielding elsewhere
- Full shield at 6 ft above grade
- Fixture type required
- LED luminaires only
- Enforcing office
- Building Official
Summary
Midland requires exterior light sources on private property to be fully shielded from view at the lot line, with the shielding height depending on whether the neighboring property is residential.
(a)All luminaires located on nonresidential use properties shall be designed so that the light source (bulb or lamp) is completely shielded from direct view of at a point three feet above grade on the lot line abutting a residentially used or zoned property. (b)In all other instances, the light source must be completely shielded from direct view of at a point six feet above grade on the lot line.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under the city's zoning lighting standards, nonresidential-property luminaires must be designed so the bulb or lamp is completely shielded from direct view at a point three feet above grade on a lot line abutting a residentially used or zoned property. In every other situation, the light source must still be completely shielded from direct view, but the measurement point moves to six feet above grade on the lot line. The Building Official reviews lighting plans for compliance before installation.
Violations & Fines
Enforced as a zoning violation under Sec. 1-3-1: fines up to $2,000, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense; the Building Official can require a revised lighting plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to a house next door to a business in Midland?
Can I use a metal halide security light in Midland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Midland
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Midland to another location·View the Texas outdoor lighting overview
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