Converse, TX Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Converse addresses outdoor lighting primarily through the Zoning Ordinance and site plan review rather than a dedicated dark-sky ordinance. Commercial, institutional, and multifamily developments must provide lighting plans at site plan review demonstrating the use of fully shielded (full cutoff) fixtures that direct light downward, limit lumens at the property line (typically less than 0.1 footcandle at residential boundaries), and avoid off-site glare. Parking lot poles are generally limited in height (often 20-30 feet) and must use flat-lens LED fixtures. Residential outdoor lighting is less strictly regulated but cannot create nuisance glare onto neighboring properties (potentially actionable as a nuisance violation). Sports lighting, canopy lighting for gas stations, and large digital signs have additional standards. Light trespass violations are handled as property maintenance or nuisance complaints. Converse's rural edges and proximity to Camp Bullis drive interest in minimizing sky glow. Contact Converse Planning at (210) 658-5356 for lighting plan review standards.