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Argyle adopts Dark‑Sky lighting standards, sets 10‑year compliance window for existing fixtures
Summary
P&Z approved a Dark‑Sky–based outdoor lighting ordinance that limits fixture shielding, color temperature (2,200 K), and encourages timers and controls; nonconforming fixtures will have a 10‑year compliance period and new development must meet standards.
Argyle’s Planning & Zoning Commission approved a new outdoor lighting ordinance on April 1 that adopts Dark‑Sky International principles to reduce glare, limit blue‑rich light, require shielding and encourage control measures such as timers and motion sensors. The ordinance sets a recommended color temperature limit of 2,200 Kelvin for fixtures and establishes a 10‑year transition period for nonconforming existing lights.
Staff said the draft follows a Dark‑Sky template used by several hill‑country communities and is part of Argyle’s application for Dark‑Sky certification. The code includes definitions, provisions for nonconforming fixtures, rules for outdoor sports lighting (including recommended extinguish times or shutoff within one hour after events) and a requirement to inventory town‑owned lighting for future retrofits. The commission approved the ordinance as presented and recommended staff coordinate with utility providers to address street‑lighting compliance.
Commissioners discussed how the ordinance applies to pending projects already in the permit queue; staff said projects already submitted (for example, certain sports‑lighting applications) would be evaluated under their current review status, while new building permits after ordinance adoption would be required to comply.
