Though Lago Vista adopted Dark Sky ordinances in 2018, official recognition as a Dark Sky Community will not come until all requirements are met.  Lago Vista Starry Skies' mission is to support the city by providing community education about the beauty and the benefits of the dark sky, gaining community support and continuing projects which ensure the continuing view of the stars over the Hill Country.  Please join us.

 Lago Vista Lighting Ordinances  Adopted June 21, 2018

​Sec 3.803 Scope And Applicability All outdoor or exterior lighting shall be installed in conformance with the provisions of this article, applicable electrical codes, energy codes, and building codes, except as provided herein. New Construction​. All outdoor or exterior lighting associated with newly constructed residential and nonresidential structures permitted after the effective date of this article shall comply with these requirements and other applicable regulations unless otherwise exempted. Renovations and Repairs. All residential and nonresidential renovations or repairs requiring a permit after the effective date of this article shall comply with these requirements and other applicable regulations unless otherwise exempted. All renovations or repairs that include installation or replacement of exterior or outdoor lighting in excess of 6,200 lumens within any 90 day period shall require a permit. Nonconforming Existing Lighting. All existing outdoor or exterior lighting that was legally permitted or installed before the effective date of this article, but does not conform to the standards imposed shall be considered nonconforming. Nonconforming outdoor or exterior lighting is allowed to remain except as described below. Residential and Nonresidential Property. All existing outdoor or exterior lighting located on a property that is the subject of any land use application (zoning, conditional use, special exception, etc.), a sign permit or a building permit for an addition or renovation is required to comply with these requirements within 90 days as a condition of the approval. Multifamily and Nonresidential Property. All nonconforming existing outdoor or exterior lighting that becomes damaged or inoperable and is subsequently repaired, replaced or improved, shall comply with the requirements for new construction. If a nonconforming use or structure has been abandoned for more than twelve months all outdoor or exterior lighting on the property must be brought into compliance as a condition of reoccupation or reuse. Occupied multifamily and nonresidential property shall be brought into compliance with outdoor or exterior lighting requirements within five (5) years from the effective date of this article. A new property owner may request a three-year extension to come into compliance if the purchase occurred within this timeframe. Street Lighting. Non-conforming street lights shall be allowed to remain until replacement is otherwise required. Replacement fixtures and lamps shall comply with the requirements of this article as specified below.