Lighting Regulations in Big Spring, Texas: Balancing Heritage and Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in the expansive landscapes of West Texas, Big Spring has a rich history that shapes its approach to urban development and regulatory frameworks. Named after the natural "big spring" in Sulphur Draw that attracted early settlers, the city's character was further defined by the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1881 and the discovery of oil in 1925.

Today, Big Spring maintains a delicate balance between honoring its frontier heritage and meeting contemporary needs. This balance is reflected in the city's lighting regulations, which aim to preserve the character of the West Texas night sky while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here's a quick overview of Big Spring's most critical lighting regulations:

• Sign Luminance Limits:
• Daytime: Maximum 5,000 nits
• Nighttime (dusk to dawn): Maximum 500 nits
• Residential Considerations:
• Light sources must not be directly visible from adjacent residential properties
• Lighting must be shielded to prevent exposure to neighboring properties
• Approval Requirements:
• Exterior lighting requires on-site approval from the City Manager or designee
• Street Lighting:
• Required in new developments unless deemed unnecessary by Director of Public Works
• Recommended to use full cut-off fixtures that emit no light above horizontal plane
• Commercial Spaces:
• Minimum illumination of one footcandle measured at floor level in certain businesses

Sign Illumination Standards

Maximum Brightness Limits

Big Spring's regulations carefully control the brightness of illuminated signs to prevent glare and light pollution:

• Signs must not exceed 5,000 nits during daylight hours
• Brightness must be reduced to 500 nits between dusk and dawn
• Measurements are taken directly from the sign's face

Required Technology Features

Electronic and digital signs must include specific technology to comply with regulations:

• Must be equipped with dimmer controls or other electronic controls
• Require photocell or automatic controls to adjust illumination based on ambient light conditions
• These features ensure automatic compliance with day/night brightness requirements

Prohibited Lighting Methods

The following sign lighting techniques are explicitly prohibited:

• Flashing, intermittent, or moving lights that could distract drivers
• High-intensity bare bulb lighting that creates glare or makes traffic signs unreadable
• Strobe or rotating lights resembling emergency signals
• Searchlights or beacons used to attract attention (except for emergency use by authorized personnel)

Residential Area Protections

Big Spring's code includes specific provisions to protect residential neighborhoods from light intrusion:

Light Trespass Prevention

• Shielding requirement: Light sources must be shielded to prevent direct visibility from adjacent residential properties
• Positioning rules: Fixtures must be arranged to prevent light from crossing property boundaries
• The code explicitly prohibits any lighting that would "be adverse to the normal sensibilities of a person residing on adjacent property"

Noise Considerations

Interestingly, the code also addresses noise generated by lighting fixtures:

• Noise levels from lighting equipment must not exceed normal household appliances
• When measured from adjacent dwellings, lighting noise should not be louder than air conditioning units or refrigerators

Commercial Property Requirements

Minimum Illumination Standards

For certain businesses (particularly those classified as "sexually oriented businesses" in the code):

• Premises must maintain a minimum illumination of one footcandle measured at floor level
• This illumination standard must be maintained whenever patrons are present
• Both owners and employees are responsible for ensuring proper illumination

Documentation Requirements

For certain business types, lighting plans must be included in permit applications:

• Diagram of premises showing locations of all overhead lighting fixtures
• Location of manager's stations in relation to lighting
• These requirements ensure adequate visibility throughout the premises

Street Lighting Requirements

Development Standards

The city takes a proactive approach to street lighting in new developments:

• Developers must provide street lighting as part of all approved plats
• Exceptions may be granted if the Director of Public Works determines lighting is unnecessary
• The primary purpose is safety for motorists and pedestrians

Recommended Fixture Types

While not always mandatory, the code provides clear guidance on preferred lighting fixtures:

• Full cut-off fixtures are recommended for street lighting
• These fixtures emit no light above the horizontal plane
• This design minimizes light pollution and sky glow while maintaining effective ground illumination

Sports Facility Lighting

Big Spring's regulations include specific provisions for lighting at recreational facilities:

Fee Structure for Field Lighting

• Roy Anderson Sports Complex: $20.00 per field, per hour fee for lighting use
• Cotton Mize Field: $20.00 per field, per hour fee for lighting use
• Fees must be paid in advance for scheduled usage

Administrative Requirements

• Sponsors must pay lighting fees before deposit refunds are processed
• Additional charges may apply for extended lighting hours beyond scheduled times
• Any cleaning or repair expenses related to lighting must be paid before deposit refund

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Tower Illumination Restrictions

Big Spring maintains strict controls on lighting of tall structures:

• Towers shall not be illuminated except as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Other applicable federal or state agency requirements may also permit tower lighting
• These restrictions help preserve dark skies while ensuring aviation safety

Film Production Lighting

Temporary filming activities have specific lighting limitations:

• Exterior lighting for film production requires on-site approval from the City Manager or designee
• Standard filming hours are limited to:
• Monday-Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday and holidays: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Affected property owners, tenants, and residents must be notified in advance

Supporting Big Spring's Lighting Vision

Community Partnership with Bock Lighting

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Big Spring's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with respect for community character. As a manufacturer with extensive experience in diverse architectural contexts, Bock understands the unique lighting considerations of communities with rich historical backgrounds like Big Spring.

Maintaining West Texas Character

The wide-open spaces of West Texas create a special relationship with the night sky. Bock Lighting appreciates Big Spring's efforts to preserve this natural heritage through thoughtful lighting regulations. Our experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations makes us a valuable resource for residents and businesses navigating lighting requirements.

Educational Resources Rather Than Sales Approach

Rather than simply selling products, Bock Lighting strives to serve as an educational resource for communities like Big Spring. Our team can help interpret lighting regulations, explain technical specifications, and identify solutions that maintain compliance while meeting practical needs. This commitment to education aligns with Big Spring's careful approach to development and preservation.

What Property Owners Should Know

Permit Requirements

• Replacing lamps or electric utilization equipment for connection to permanent receptacles does not require permits
• Lamp socket replacements are also exempt from permit requirements
• However, any sign incorporating electrical lighting requires installation by a licensed electrical sign contractor
• Separate electrical permits are required for illuminated signs

Compliance Considerations

For property owners, compliance with Big Spring's lighting regulations requires attention to:

• Shielding and direction of all exterior lighting
• Brightness levels of any illuminated signs
• Impact on neighboring properties, especially residential areas
• Obtaining proper approval for new exterior lighting installations

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The code identifies inadequate lighting as a potential condition that could render a building "unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease."

Conclusion

Big Spring's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing progress with preservation. From the frontier watering hole that gave the city its name to the modern medical and educational hub it has become, Big Spring continues to evolve while honoring its heritage.

The city's approach to lighting exemplifies this balance – ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality while protecting the character of the community and the natural beauty of the West Texas night sky. By understanding and following these regulations, property owners and businesses can contribute to maintaining Big Spring's unique sense of place for generations to come.

For specific questions about lighting regulations or to verify current requirements, contact the City of Big Spring's planning or building departments directly.