Outdoor Lighting in San Antonio, TX: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in San Antonio or are thinking about moving there, outdoor lighting are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. San Antonio has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of outdoor lighting, and some of them might surprise you.

Light Trespass

Light trespass in San Antonio is regulated within Military Lighting Overlay Districts under UDC § 35-339.04. All trespass lighting shall not exceed 2.5 foot-candles measured at the property line. Sign lighting within three-quarters of a mile of a military installation must contain dark-sky approved shielding to reduce spillover. Outside MLOD areas, light trespass is addressed through general nuisance provisions.

Key details: Code Section: UDC § 35-339.04 (MLOD). Property Line Limit: 2.5 foot-candles maximum. Sign Lighting: Dark-sky shielding within ¾ mile of base. Uplight Limit: 50 lumens max in uplight zones (MLR1). Outside MLOD: General nuisance provisions apply.

Light trespass complaint: warning and 30-day correction period. Non-compliance: fines $100 to $300 per violation. Repeated complaints: escalating fines. Commercial violations: up to $1,000.

Dark Sky Rules

San Antonio's primary dark sky regulation is the Military Lighting Overlay District (MLOD) under UDC § 35-339.04. The MLOD applies within areas surrounding Camp Bullis/Camp Stanley, Randolph AFB, and Lackland AFB. Within the most restricted zone (MLR1, within 3 miles), lights must be fully shielded, color temperatures cannot exceed 4100K, and business outdoor lights exceeding 2 foot-candles must be turned off after 11 PM. Searchlights and laser lights are prohibited.

Key details: Code Section: UDC § 35-339.04 (MLOD). MLR1 Zone: Within 3 miles of military installation. Color Temp: Max 4100K; fully shielded required. Business Curfew: Lights >2 foot-candles off after 11 PM. Prohibited: Searchlights and laser light projections.

Non-compliant fixtures: notice to correct within 30 days. Failure to comply: fines $100 to $500. Commercial violations: permit revocation possible. Repeat offenders: daily fines.

The Bottom Line

San Antonio's outdoor lighting rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming San Antonio is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects San Antonio's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.