Outdoor lighting in Richardson may not exceed 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines; violators can be cited under the nuisance ordinance.
Richardson addresses light trespass as both a zoning performance standard and a general nuisance. Commercial and multifamily properties adjacent to residential zones must limit illumination at the shared property line to a maximum of 0.5 footcandles measured at ground level, and all fixtures projecting onto residential lots must be full cutoff with no visible lamp. Residential-to-residential light trespass is addressed through the city's nuisance code, which prohibits any outdoor light source that creates unreasonable glare or interferes with a neighbor's enjoyment of their property. Common violations include unshielded security floodlights aimed across property lines, bright landscape uplighting visible into bedroom windows, and malfunctioning motion sensors staying on continuously. Code enforcement typically requests voluntary re-aiming or shielding before issuing citations, which carry fines up to $500 per day of continuing violation.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Richardson code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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