Buda advances dark‑sky lighting rules, limits on up‑lighting relaxed but holiday window shortened

The council held a public hearing and then adopted changes to the unified development code to pursue International Dark Sky Association compliance. Planning staff explained the proposed updates — a 3,000 Kelvin color‑temperature cap for outdoor luminaires, tighter lumen limits for string/bistro lights, and restrictions on up‑lighting for monuments and flagpoles — that are intended to reduce light trespass and support ecological goals such as bird migration protection.

Staff said the International Dark Sky Association had identified several specific technical changes needed to secure certification and warned that, without compliance, the city could lose its ability to regulate outdoor lighting under a 2021 state law exception. The planning commission had recommended keeping some exemptions for flagpole and monument up‑lighting; IDA staff urged stricter rules. Council ultimately adopted the IDA recommendations but modified two items: the council struck a proposed numeric limit on the number of illuminated flags per property and shortened the proposed holiday/seasonal string‑light exemption window (council settled on a date earlier in October rather than the IDA’s suggested November 1–Jan 15 window), and it directed city staff to pursue a public education campaign about grandfathering and permit requirements.

City staff said existing private lighting will be legal nonconforming and will not need immediate replacement unless it loses nonconforming status under standard code triggers (e.g., more than 50% destruction or abandonment). The council vote to adopt the ordinance passed 4–3 on roll call.