Corpus Christi, TX Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Sec. 23-59 declares it a nuisance for anyone to use, operate, or maintain, in or within 200 feet of a residential property zone, a flashing illuminated sign, a spotlight, any other illuminated sign or flashing light, or interior or exterior building illumination for a purpose other than residential use, where the light and glare it casts falls on residential property to the annoyance or inconvenience of persons of normal sensibility living there. The section defines 'residential property' by reference to the zoning ordinance's classification, covering any area designated a residential district, including single-family, duplex, and multifamily districts.

Because the standard is a nuisance declaration rather than a numeric footcandle limit, enforcement turns on whether the light and glare actually reaches residential property and would bother an ordinary resident, not merely on brightness at the source. The general nuisance procedure in Sec. 23-50 through Sec. 23-54 governs how the city acts on a light trespass complaint: any nuisance defined in the Code is prohibited, and maintaining one is a misdemeanor under Sec. 23-50; the person possessing the property where the nuisance exists has a duty to abate it once aware of it under Sec.

23-51; the health officer must notify the owner or occupant in writing and order abatement within a specified time under Sec. 23-52; the owner may appear at the health officer's office to show cause for an extension under Sec. 23-53; and if the owner fails, neglects, or refuses to abate, or can't be found, the health officer may abate the nuisance directly and charge the expense against the owner, which becomes a lien on the property under Sec. 23-54.