Practical Tools
Toolkits & Assessments
Home Outdoor Lighting Assessment
DarkSky International
Step-by-step assessment to evaluate your home's outdoor lighting and identify improvements.
Volunteer Lighting Assessment Training Manual
KCFNS Volunteer Program
Training manual for volunteers conducting lighting assessments in the community β updated 2025 edition.
DarkSky HOA Toolkit
Homeowners Association Guide
How to bring dark sky lighting standards to your HOA β model rules, talking points, and templates.
Night Sky Business Toolkit
For Business Owners
Everything a business needs to evaluate, improve, and get recognized for night sky friendly lighting.
Common Sense Solutions β Dark Sky Texas
Texas Dark Sky Guide
Practical, affordable lighting solutions for Texas residents, ranchers, and property owners.
Local Policy Documents
Kerr County / Kerrville Official Actions
Kerr County Dark Sky Proclamation (2026)
Kerr County Commissioners Court
The official county proclamation supporting dark sky preservation in Kerr County.
Kerrville Dark Sky Resolution
City of Kerrville
The City of Kerrville's official resolution in support of dark sky principles and lighting standards.
Outdoor Lighting Ordinance
Ordinance Language
City of Kerrville Article X Ordinance on outdoor light within the city limits
Night Sky Friendly Neighborhood Policy
County & Subdivision Policy
Policy framework for county subdivisions and neighborhoods seeking Night Sky Friendly designation.
Road to Dark Sky Certification
DarkSky International Β· Community Designation
Kerrville is working toward becoming an officially recognized International Dark Sky Community β one of fewer than 50 worldwide. See our 27-step journey from ordinance adoption to certification, with each step showing what's done and what's ahead.
β View Our Certification Roadmap β
State Policy
Texas Legislative & State Actions
From Senate recognition of dark sky advocates to proposed legislation that would give Texans legal standing against light trespass β our state is paying attention.
Texas Senate Resolution No. 451
Texas Senate Β· 89th Legislature Β· April 2025
The Texas Senate formally recognized April 25, 2025 as Dark Sky Day and commended DarkSky Texas for its work to preserve rural night skies, conserve energy, reduce glare, and protect wildlife. The resolution acknowledges the economic value of dark sky tourism and the importance of warm-hued, properly shielded lighting statewide.
π View Senate Resolution
2027 Light Trespass Legislation
90th Texas Legislature Β· Proposed for 2027 Session
Texas currently has no statutory remedy for property owners harmed by a neighbor's excessive, unshielded outdoor lighting. This initiative proposes three targeted changes:
- Health & Safety Code Β§343.011 β defines lighting that interferes with the use and enjoyment of land as a nuisance in unincorporated areas.
- Health & Safety Code Β§342.004 β adds the same definition for municipal areas.
- Penal Code Β§42.01 β adds excessive light trespass to disorderly conduct. Light is presumed excessive above 1,000 lumens within any 3 ft square area unless shielded and directed so the source can't be seen from other property β after notice from a magistrate or peace officer.
Contact Your Legislators
Rep. Virdell Β· Sen. Flores Β· Kerr County
Ask your State Representative and Senator to sponsor the 2027 Light Trespass Initiative. Enter your name, preview a personalized letter, and reach both legislators with one click β no printing or stamps required.
βοΈ Write Your Letter β
Grant Funding
Funding for Lighting Upgrades
National Resources
From DarkSky International
Lighting, Crime & Safety
DarkSky International (IDA)
The research on whether more light actually means more safety β the answer may surprise you.
Light Pollution Effects on Wildlife
DarkSky International (IDA)
How artificial light disrupts the natural behavior of birds, insects, mammals, and marine life.
IDA Light Pollution Resource Library
DarkSky International (IDA)
The world's leading dark sky organization's full collection of research, guides, and advocacy tools.