Lighting Regulations in Lakeside, Texas: Balancing Suburban Character with Safety and Functionality

Introduction

Nestled in Tarrant County, Lakeside, Texas is a small suburban community of approximately 1,307 residents that values its peaceful residential atmosphere. Since its incorporation in 1958, Lakeside has developed as a town that carefully balances growth with preservation of its suburban character. The town's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to maintaining quality of life for residents while ensuring adequate safety and functionality.

Unlike cities with historic districts dating back centuries, Lakeside's development was influenced by its proximity to Fort Worth, allowing it to maintain a mid-20th century suburban character while benefiting from nearby economic opportunities. The town's lighting regulations are designed to minimize disruption to the residential environment, reduce light pollution, and preserve the tranquility that residents value.

Quick Reference Guide to Lakeside Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here are the most critical lighting requirements to know:

• Maximum illumination levels:
• Non-residential property: 20 foot-candles outdoors
• Under canopies (e.g., service stations): 40 foot-candles
• Parking lots: Between 1-10 foot-candles
• Light trespass limits:
• Onto residential property: 0.25 foot-candles maximum
• Onto non-residential property: 2.25 foot-candles maximum
• Fixture requirements:
• Most light types require full shielding with 80° cut-off
• Maximum pole and fixture height: 32 feet
• All building lighting must be fully-shielded type
• Prohibited lighting:
• Laser source lights
• Searchlights for advertising
• Floodlights
• Up-lighting of displays and buildings (with exceptions)

Non-Residential Lighting Standards

Lakeside's non-residential lighting regulations focus on maintaining appropriate illumination levels while minimizing impact on surrounding properties.

Permit Requirements

All outdoor lighting for non-residential uses must:

• Be installed according to the Building Code and Electrical Code
• Receive appropriate permits and inspections
• Include an outdoor lighting plan submitted prior to building permit issuance

Required Plan Documentation

Plans must include:

• Layout of proposed fixture locations
• Light source specifications
• Luminous area for each light source with proposed foot-candle measurements
• Type and height of light fixtures
• Type of illumination

Illumination Standards

Lakeside follows professional standards for lighting:

• All illumination must comply with Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) recommendations
• Lighting levels can be measured by a qualified professional or computed using IESNA methods
• Computations must use certified photometric data from fixture manufacturers

Light Trespass and Glare Control

Lakeside places significant emphasis on preventing light from disturbing neighboring properties.

Preventing Nuisance Lighting

• Direct light at the target area: All outdoor lighting, including parking lot lighting, must be directed away from residential properties
• Shield effectively: Lighting must be adequately shielded to prevent disturbance to neighboring properties
• Measure impact: No use shall produce direct or indirect illumination that creates a nuisance or detracts from adjacent property enjoyment

Numerical Limits

Nuisance lighting is specifically defined as:

• More than 0.25 foot-candles measured at any residential property line
• More than 2.25 foot-candles measured at any non-residential property line

Shielding Requirements

Different lighting types have specific shielding requirements:

• Fully shielded with 80° cut-off required for:
• Low pressure sodium (LPS)
• High pressure sodium (HPS)
• Metal halide
• Halogen
• Mercury vapor
• Fluorescent
• Incandescent
• Unshielded permitted for:
• Light sources 50 watts and under
• Low intensity neon, krypton or argon discharge tubes

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Sexually Oriented Businesses

Sexually oriented businesses have specific lighting requirements:

• Minimum illumination of 1 foot-candle measured at floor level
• Diagram showing overhead lighting fixtures required with license application
• Owners and operators must maintain required illumination whenever patrons are present

Home Occupations

Home-based businesses must ensure:

• No glare beyond what normally occurs in residential districts
• No use of advertising signs or window displays that call attention to the business use through visual means

Building Movement

When moving buildings or structures under permit:

• Lighted signals must be kept in a conspicuous place at each end and in the center during the night

Swimming Pools

For public and semi-public pools:

• All lighting and appurtenant equipment must be maintained in good repair

Drilling Operations

Drill or operation sites must ensure:

• Lights do not shine directly on public roads, adjacent property, or property in the general vicinity
• Site lighting should be directed downward and internally to avoid glare on public roads and adjacent dwellings within 300 feet

Sign Lighting Regulations

Permitted Sign Illumination

• Illuminated signs are permitted with three lighting methods:
• Internal lighting: Light source entirely within the sign, not visible
• Internal-indirect lighting: Internal light that illuminates the background, creating silhouettes
• Indirect lighting: External illumination located away from the sign

Installation Requirements

• Lighting must be installed to avoid glare or reflection into adjacent property or streets
• Signs requiring permanent wiring connections need a separate electrical permit

Restrictions for Specific Sign Types

• Political signs: Must be unlighted
• Garage sale signs: Must be unlighted

After-Hours Considerations

• When not necessary for security, it's suggested that sign lighting be turned off after business hours, especially near residential areas

Prohibited Lighting and Exemptions

Prohibited Lighting Elements

Lakeside specifically prohibits:

• Laser source lights when projected above the horizontal
• Searchlights for advertising purposes
• Floodlights
• Up-lighting of displays and buildings

Exemptions from Regulations

The following are exempt from Lakeside's lighting regulations:

• Emergency lighting needed by Police, Fire, or emergency services
• Federally required hazard warning lights (must be red with minimum required output)
• Light fixtures of 75 watts or less
• Seasonal decorative lighting
• Up-lighting of Town of Lakeside, Texas, or US flags

Temporary Exemptions

Property owners can request temporary exemptions:

• Valid for up to 30 days
• Renewals possible for up to 14 additional days
• Written request required with specific details about proposed lighting

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting

When planning outdoor lighting for your non-residential property in Lakeside:

• Start early: Submit your outdoor lighting plan before applying for building permits
• Consider neighbors: Design with light trespass limits in mind
• Choose appropriate fixtures: Most light types require full shielding with 80° cut-off
• Plan for after-hours: Non-essential lighting should be turned off after business hours

Non-Conforming Lighting

If you have existing lighting that doesn't meet current standards:

• Existing fixtures installed before the ordinance have legal non-conforming status
• Replacement fixtures or moved fixtures must meet current standards

Working with Professionals

For best results:

• Work with lighting professionals familiar with IESNA standards
• Ensure your contractor understands Lakeside's specific regulations
• Consider requesting a pre-application meeting to review lighting plans

Supporting Lakeside's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of maintaining the suburban character that Lakeside residents value. As a manufacturer that appreciates the balance between safety, functionality, and community aesthetics, Bock recognizes that appropriate lighting plays a crucial role in preserving the quality of life in residential communities like Lakeside.

Our experience working with municipalities throughout the region has given us insight into how lighting can enhance community character while respecting local regulations. We appreciate Lakeside's focus on minimizing light pollution and preventing nuisance lighting that might disrupt the peaceful residential environment.

Bock Lighting is committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through lighting solutions that respect local values and regulations. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs means we can serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements in suburban communities.

Conclusion

Lakeside's lighting regulations reflect the town's commitment to maintaining its peaceful suburban character while ensuring safety and functionality. By establishing clear standards for illumination levels, fixture types, and light trespass, Lakeside helps protect property owners from nuisance lighting while providing adequate illumination for business operations and public safety.

Property owners planning lighting installations should work closely with professionals who understand these regulations, submit detailed lighting plans before seeking building permits, and consider how their lighting choices affect neighboring properties. Through thoughtful implementation of these lighting standards, Lakeside can continue to balance growth with preservation of its suburban character and quality of life.