Sherman, TX Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Core rule
- No glare or illumination across a property line creating a nuisance
- Fixture design
- Light source and reflector must control the beam
- Motion sensors
- Cannot activate across a property line (§ 8.01.003)
- Who is covered
- Any person or business
- Penalty section
- § 8.01.001 points to § 1.01.009
- Citation
- Sherman Code of Ordinances § 8.01.002
Summary
In the City of Sherman, Texas, no person or business can operate a light with a visible source of illumination that produces glare or directs illumination across a property line at an intensity that creates a nuisance. Sherman Code of Ordinances § 8.01.002 also requires outside lights to be built so the beam is controlled and not aimed across the line.
(a) A person or business shall not operate a light or other equipment which has a visible source of illumination that produces glare or directs illumination across a property line of an intensity that creates a nuisance or detracts from the use or enjoyment of adjacent property. (b) Outside lights must be made up of a light source and reflector so that, acting together, the light beam is controlled and not directed across a property line.
Full Breakdown
The light trespass rule in the City of Sherman, Texas is § 8.01.002, titled Glare, in Chapter 8, Offenses and Nuisances. Subsection (a) says a person or business shall not operate a light or other equipment which has a visible source of illumination that produces glare or directs illumination across a property line of an intensity that creates a nuisance or detracts from the use or enjoyment of adjacent property. The test has two parts: the light crosses the line, and it reaches an intensity that creates a nuisance or detracts from the neighbor's use or enjoyment. Sherman does not publish a footcandle number in this section, so the standard is the effect on the adjacent property.
Subsection (b) is a design requirement. Outside lights must be made up of a light source and reflector so that, acting together, the light beam is controlled and not directed across a property line. A bare floodlight with no reflector or shielding aimed at the neighbor's yard is the situation that wording is aimed at.
The next section, § 8.01.003, covers motion sensors. A person or business shall not operate a motion sensor device capable of activating a light source or other alarm equipment when the sensor is pointed in such a way as to activate across a property line. A sensor light that flicks on every time a neighbor walks past is therefore its own violation, and the fix is re-aiming the sensor.
The rule binds both homeowners and businesses. Section 8.01.001 states that violations of Chapter 8 are punishable as provided in § 1.01.009, the general penalty section, so each day the offending light stays on is a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Violations of § 8.01.002 are punished under § 1.01.009. That section sets a fine of not exceeding five hundred dollars, and not exceeding two thousand dollars for rules governing fire safety, zoning or public health and sanitation. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Where a violation is designated a nuisance, the city can summarily abate it and pursue injunctive relief, in addition to the fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my neighbor's floodlight shine into my yard in the City of Sherman, Texas?
Does Sherman set a brightness limit for outdoor lights?
Are motion sensor lights covered?
What is the penalty for a light trespass violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sherman
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Sherman to another location·View the Texas outdoor lighting overview
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