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Council extends outdoor-lighting nuisance rules 5,000 feet into ETJ and sets measurement standards
Summary
Following the Dark Sky intent resolution, council approved an ordinance extending outdoor-lighting nuisance enforcement 5,000 feet into the ETJ and set objective measurement thresholds (0.25 foot-candles residential, 2.25 nonresidential); enforcement will use handheld photometers and apply to new or replaced fixtures.
The NorthlakeTown Council adopted an ordinance to treat certain outdoor lighting as a nuisance beyond town limits, extending enforcement 5,000 feet into the ETJ and establishing objective measurement thresholds for foot-candle levels.
Staff explained the proposed ordinance builds on the council’s direction and the recently adopted intent to seek Dark Sky certification. The ordinance sets a residential standard of 0.25 foot-candles at the property line and a nonresidential standard of 2.25 foot-candles; staff said officers will use handheld photometers to measure compliance and that new regulations would apply primarily to new development or when fixtures are replaced rather than retroactively to existing installations.
Council members who supported the measure said it helps preserve the town’s rural character and provides objective enforcement measures; dissenting members questioned the practicality of certification and potential impacts on existing homeowners. The ordinance passed 5–2.
