Lighting Regulations in Cleburne, Texas: Balancing Safety, Functionality, and Historical Character

Introduction

Nestled about 30 miles south of Fort Worth, Cleburne, Texas, combines rich historical character with modern development. Founded after the Civil War and named for Confederate General Patrick Cleburne, the city has grown from its beginnings as Camp Henderson into a thriving community of approximately 30,000 residents.

The city's regulations on exterior lighting reflect a thoughtful balance between modern needs and the preservation of Cleburne's small-town character. As a community that values its historical roots—evidenced by landmarks like the Johnson County Courthouse and the Layland Museum—Cleburne has established lighting standards that promote safety while respecting the city's aesthetic and historical context.

Quick Reference Guide to Cleburne's Lighting Regulations

• Maximum Outdoor Illumination: 20 foot-candles maximum outdoors; 30 foot-candles under canopies
• Light Trespass Limits: Maximum ¼ foot-candle at property lines with SF zoned property
• Height Restrictions: Maximum 30 feet for freestanding luminaires (20 feet when near residential areas)
• Sign Brightness: Maximum 75 foot-candles or 25 watts incandescent equivalent
• Downtown District: Illumination devices should not flash or move and must be historically appropriate
• Required Fixture Types: Full-cutoff fixtures required in buffer areas, setback yards, and walkways
• Prohibited Fixtures: "Cobra head" fixtures with dished lenses and flickering/flashing lights

General Lighting Standards

Cleburne's lighting standards (Section 4.04) were created with several important purposes in mind:

Purpose of Regulations

• Reducing problems caused by improperly designed outdoor lighting
• Minimizing glare affecting motorists, pedestrians, and adjacent properties
• Preventing light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Reducing energy consumption and costs
• Preserving the night sky as a natural resource

Applicability

These regulations apply to all new lighting fixtures and replacements of existing fixtures throughout the city, with certain exemptions noted below. The Building Official may require evidence that lighting installed under an approved building permit complies with these regulations.

Enforcement

When the city receives complaints about lighting, the Building Official or authorized agent may measure light output. If measurements exceed authorized levels, the city may issue a notice to abate to the property owner.

Technical Specifications

Light Trespass Limitations

• Adjacent to Residential: Maximum ¼ foot-candle at property lines shared with SF (Single-Family) zoned property
• Adjacent to Streets: Maximum ½ foot-candle at property lines adjacent to street rights-of-way

Height and Fixture Requirements

• Maximum Height: Freestanding luminaires permitted up to 30 feet in height
• Near Residential Areas: Height reduced to 20 feet when within 100 feet of SF or MF zoned property
• Cutoff Requirements: All luminaires must have a cutoff angle equal to or less than 90 degrees

Illumination Levels

• General Outdoor Areas: Maximum 20 foot-candles at any point
• Under Canopies: Maximum 30 foot-candles (e.g., service stations)

Sign Illumination (§ 156.35)

• Maximum Brightness: 75 foot-candles or 25 watts incandescent equivalent
• Electronic Message Boards: No brighter than 500 candelas per square meter at night and 5,000 candelas per square meter during daytime

Measurement Methods

Cleburne code provides specific procedures for measuring light levels:

• Horizontal Method: Meter sensor mounted at ground level in horizontal position
• Vertical Method: Meter sensor mounted 5 feet above ground level in vertical position
• Readings taken after dark with lights on, then with lights off, with the difference compared to allowable foot-candle ratings

Special Use Requirements

Downtown District

• Illumination devices should not flash or move
• Lighting should remain appropriate to the historical era of downtown

Commercial Properties

• All exterior light sources must be down-light type, indirect, diffused, or shielded
• No intermittent or flashing lights permitted that are visible beyond the property line
• Luminaries mounted at a maximum height of 30 feet from the nearest parking pavement

Airport Areas

• Lighting must not make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and others
• Lighting must not create glare in pilots' eyes or impair visibility near the airport

Oil/Gas Drill Sites

• No lights shall shine directly on public roads or adjacent property
• Site lighting must be directed downward and internally to avoid glare on public roads and adjacent buildings within 300 feet

Play Fields and Stadiums

• Exempt from general lighting standards due to unique requirements for nighttime visibility
• Must be shielded to minimize light visible from residential properties
• If light levels exceed maximums at property lines shared with residential zones, continuous living screen reaching 10 feet in height at maturity required

Exemptions

Several lighting situations are exempt from the general standards:

Residential Dwellings

• Generally exempt from the lighting regulations
• Decorative or entryway lighting may exceed maximums if:
• Individual lamps have luminosity less than 300 lumens, or
• Cutoff components prevent bulb from being viewed from property line

Security Lighting

• Motion-activated security lighting exempt if:
• Automatically activates/deactivates via motion sensor
• Not on for more than 10 minutes continuously
• Does not exceed 2,500 lumens

Other Exemptions

• Decorative seasonal lighting
• Buildings/architectural features when properly shielded
• Play fields and stadiums (with conditions)

What Property Owners Should Know

Commercial Property Considerations

When planning exterior lighting for a commercial property in Cleburne, keep these key points in mind:

• Direction matters: All exterior lighting must be directed downward and shielded to prevent glare affecting neighboring properties or streets
• Height restrictions: Remember the 30-foot maximum height (20 feet near residential zones)
• Measurement preparation: Be prepared for official measurements if complaints arise
• Special uses: Additional requirements apply for specific uses like outdoor amusements, auto dealerships, and stadiums

Residential Property Rights

While residential dwellings are generally exempt from lighting regulations, homeowners should still be considerate of neighbors by:

• Using shielded fixtures when possible
• Directing security lights away from neighboring properties
• Considering motion sensors for security lighting
• Being mindful of light trespass onto adjacent properties

Supporting Cleburne's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Cleburne's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with historical character. As a manufacturer that understands the unique challenges of communities with rich architectural heritage, Bock appreciates Cleburne's approach to lighting regulations.

The regulations demonstrate Cleburne's dedication to preserving its small-town character while ensuring safety and functionality. Like many historically-significant communities, Cleburne has established standards that prevent light pollution and glare while allowing appropriate illumination for safety and security.

Bock's experience with communities similar to Cleburne has shown that thoughtful lighting choices can enhance historical areas rather than detract from them. Our understanding of regional architectural styles aligns with Cleburne's goals of maintaining its distinctive character while embracing necessary modern technologies.

As a resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, Bock supports the careful balance Cleburne has established between safety, functionality, and historical aesthetics.

Conclusion

Cleburne's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its historical character while providing for modern needs. Property owners who understand these regulations can choose lighting that enhances safety and security while respecting the community's standards.

By focusing on shielded fixtures, appropriate height and brightness, and thoughtful placement, both commercial and residential property owners can contribute to Cleburne's vision of a well-lit but historically appropriate community.

Whether you're planning a new development or upgrading existing lighting, consulting the city's complete lighting standards (Section 4.04) is an essential step toward ensuring compliance and being a good neighbor in this historically rich Texas community.