Light Trespass: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do light trespass rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
Universal City has fewer restrictions than San Antonio.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
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.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Universal City treats excessive light spilling onto neighboring properties as a nuisance, and residents can file complaints with code enforcement for lighting that disrupts sleep or causes glare.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Residential cap | - | Nuisance standard |
| Commercial cap | - | 0.5 fc at residential line |
| Motion lights | - | Encouraged |
| Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement complaints |
| Legal basis | - | Nuisance doctrine |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
What is the light trespass limit in San Antonio?
Within Military Lighting Overlay Districts, trespass lighting cannot exceed 2.5 foot-candles at the property line under UDC § 35-339.04. Outside these zones, excessive lighting may be addressed through general nuisance complaints.
Can I complain about my neighbor's flood lights?
Within MLOD zones, light trespass exceeding 2.5 foot-candles at the property line is a code violation. Outside MLOD areas, you may file a nuisance complaint through 311 if the lighting unreasonably affects your property.
Universal City FAQ
My neighbors floodlight shines in my bedroom. What can I do?
First, ask politely for shielding. If unresolved, file a complaint with Universal City Code Enforcement, who can cite it as a nuisance.
Are holiday lights restricted?
Seasonal holiday lighting is generally exempt from nuisance review as long as it is not continuously on year-round.
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