Dark Sky Rules: Live Oak vs San Antonio
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Live Oak, TX and San Antonio, TX?
Live Oak and San Antonio have similar restriction levels.
Live Oak, TX
Bexar County
Live Oak is covered by the Bexar County dark-sky lighting standards protecting observatory viewing, requiring shielded fixtures and color-temperature caps for commercial outdoor lighting.
View full Live Oak 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 | Live Oak | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable standards | Bexar County lighting rules | - |
| Fixture type | Full-cutoff shielded | - |
| Color cap | 3000K warm white | - |
| Protected resource | Area observatory sky | - |
| 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.
Live Oak FAQ
Are my porch lights regulated?
Basic residential porch lights are largely exempt, but they must not shine directly onto neighboring property.
Can I install a cool-white LED floodlight?
For commercial projects no; residentially you should choose warmer tones to reduce glare and sky glow.
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.
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