Board weighs pilot tree-lighting program for downtown Buda, cites code and arborist review

The Main Street board in Buda discussed a pilot program to illuminate four trees along Main Street as part of downtown activation efforts. Chair opened F2 and said the board should consider options including downlighting or year-round wrapped lights while following code and protecting heritage trees.

Staff member, speaking from the meeting packet, said the city code limits options and advised staff research. "Very general, uplighting is prohibited, including but not limited to lighting for building signage and landscaping," the staff member said, noting the packet highlights downlight and shielded-fixture requirements and tree-preservation rules. The staff member proposed starting with four trees — near Mill and Grain, the park bathrooms, the welcome center, and by Jake's — as a pilot to assess visual effect and maintenance.

Board members raised tree health and aesthetic concerns. The Chair and a committee member urged consulting the city arborist about potential damage and the length of time lights might remain on a tree before choosing between wrapped lights and high-canopy downlighting. The staff member said they would "pull you in" for meetings with development services and the arborist and aim to return with pricing and options within the next two meetings.

The board discussed dark-sky compliance and fixture design; staff noted site-lighting rules that require fully shielded fixtures and that nonresidential site lights must come on no later than 30 minutes after sunset. No formal motion to adopt a lighting approach occurred; the board directed staff to gather arborist input, cost estimates, and code clarifications for a subsequent meeting.