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Rowlett residents press council to revise proposed exterior lighting rules, urging grandfathering and clearer enforcement
Summary
At a Rowlett work session, residents and council members debated proposed amendments to section 77-5-10 of the development code that set a 0.25 foot-candle limit at residential property lines; speakers questioned enforceability, grandfathering and safety implications for wildlife and first responders.
Multiple residents urged the council to reject or sharply revise proposed exterior lighting standards. Denise Ojibi told the council the amendments were "a solution looking for a problem" and urged grandfathering of existing fixtures: "Vote no on these amendments," she said during public comment.
Planning staff and code enforcement explained the proposal would replace subjective language with measurable standards and clear definitions. Allison Duque, planning manager, summarized the core change: the proposed ordinance sets a "maximum illumination level of 0.25 foot candles at the residential property line" and requires lighting plans as part of development review. Code enforcement described using calibrated foot-candle meters for nighttime inspections and said most past complaints were resolved through voluntary compliance.
