Dark Sky Rules: Converse vs San Antonio
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Converse, TX and San Antonio, TX?
Converse and San Antonio have similar restriction levels.
Converse, TX
Bexar County
Converse is not formally dark-sky certified but regulates outdoor lighting via the Zoning Ordinance. Commercial lighting must be fully shielded, directed downward, and limit spillover at property lines.
View full Converse rules →San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
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.
View full San Antonio rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Converse | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Dark-sky certified | No | - |
| Commercial fixtures | Fully shielded | - |
| Property-line limit | Less than 0.1 fc typical | - |
| Pole height | 20-30 ft typical | - |
| Residential glare | Nuisance enforcement | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Converse FAQ
Are my neighbor's bright floodlights illegal?
They can be cited as a nuisance or property maintenance issue if they cause substantial glare onto your property. Start with a polite conversation; if unresolved, contact Code Enforcement.
Do holiday lights violate rules?
Seasonal holiday lighting is generally exempt from routine lighting standards so long as it does not cause traffic hazards or extreme glare.
San Antonio FAQ
Does San Antonio have a dark sky ordinance?
Yes. The Military Lighting Overlay District (UDC § 35-339.04) requires dark-sky compliant lighting near Camp Bullis, Randolph AFB, and Lackland AFB. Within 3 miles (MLR1 zone), lights must be fully shielded with color temperatures not exceeding 4100K.
Do businesses have to turn off lights at night?
In MLOD zones, businesses must turn off outdoor lights exceeding 2 foot-candles after 11 PM, except for security and safety lighting. Searchlights and laser light projections above the horizontal plane are prohibited citywide within the overlay.
Compare other topics
See how Converse and San Antonio compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool