New Braunfels, TX Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Max intensity at residential line
- 0.25 foot-candles
- Beam control height
- Not directed across line above 3 ft
- Max residential light height
- 20 feet
- Direct lighting needing shielding
- Over 10 feet high
- Fixture type required
- Fully shielded, full-cutoff
Summary
Outdoor lighting on non-residential and multifamily sites can't throw more than 0.25 foot-candles onto a neighboring residential lot line.
All outside lights shall be made up of a light source and reflector so selected that acting together, the light beam is controlled and not directed across any bounding property line above a height of three feet. The allowable maximum intensity measured at the property line of a residential use in a residential zoning district shall be 0.25 foot candles.
(2) Outdoor lighting used to illuminate parking spaces, driveways, maneuvering areas, or buildings shall conform to the definition for "fully shielded light fixtures" and be designed, arranged and screened so that the point light source shall not be visible from adjoining lots or streets. No portion of the bulb or direct lamp image may be visible beyond a distance equal to or greater than twice the mounting height of the fixture. For example, for a fixture with a mounting height of 12 feet, no portion of the bulb or direct lamp image may be visible from 24 feet away in any direction. Light poles or wall-mounted fixtures shall be full-cutoff fixtures only. All perimeter fixtures shall possess house-side shielding; bollards shall be louvered and utilize coated lamps.
(3) Setback or shielding requirements. Outdoor lighting fixtures are allowed with no additional "house-side" shielding in accordance with the following formula: Height (H) < 3 + (D/3); where D equals the distance in feet from light source to the nearest residential lot line (extended vertically). Additional "house-side shielding" shall be added in
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 36).
Full Breakdown
New Braunfels caps how much light a non-residential or multifamily property can spill onto adjacent residential land: light beams can't be directed across the property line above three feet in height, and the maximum measured intensity at a residential lot line is 0.25 foot-candles. Parking lot, driveway, and building lighting must use fully shielded, full-cutoff fixtures so the bulb itself isn't visible beyond twice the fixture's mounting height, and taller fixtures need added house-side shielding under a set height-to-distance formula. For one- and two-family homes, any direct light over ten feet high must be shielded from neighboring property, no residential light source may exceed 20 feet in height (street and traffic-safety lighting excepted), and lighting can't shine directly onto adjacent dwellings.
Violations & Fines
Zoning code violation handled through the city's code enforcement process; the city can require refitting or shielding of noncompliant fixtures and pursue standard municipal ordinance penalties for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can a business's parking lot light be at my property line?
Can my neighbor's yard light shine directly on my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Braunfels
Texas rules heatmap·Compare New Braunfels to another location·View the Texas outdoor lighting overview
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