Dark Sky Rules: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do dark sky rules rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
Universal City has fewer restrictions than San Antonio.
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 →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Universal City does not have a formal dark-sky ordinance but requires outdoor lighting to be shielded to prevent glare onto adjacent properties, especially important near Randolph AFB operations.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Formal dark-sky law | - | No |
| Shielding | - | Required for trespass prevention |
| Commercial fixtures | - | Full cutoff typical |
| AFB consideration | - | Joint Land Use Study |
| Streetlight type | - | LED 3000K |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Universal City FAQ
Can I install bright security lights?
Yes, but they must be shielded and aimed so that light does not trespass onto neighboring properties or interfere with AFB operations.
Are there foot-candle limits?
Residential lighting has no specific foot-candle caps, but commercial lighting under site plan review is typically capped at 0.5 to 1.0 foot-candles at residential property lines.
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