Lighting Regulations in Ferris, Texas: Understanding Requirements for Property Owners & Businesses

Introduction

Nestled approximately 20 miles south of downtown Dallas, Ferris, Texas offers residents a unique blend of historical charm and modern development. Since its founding in 1874, Ferris has grown from a railway station town into a community that values its historical roots while embracing contemporary needs. Once known as the "brick capital of the nation" with four brick plants operating in the 1950s, this industrial heritage has helped shape the town's character and development approach.

As the community continues to evolve with a population of 2,788 (as of the 2020 census), local regulations—including those related to lighting—reflect Ferris's commitment to maintaining its distinct character while meeting modern safety and functionality needs.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Here are the most important lighting regulations to know in Ferris:

• Residential Protection: All outdoor lighting must be directed away from residential properties
• City Approval: Exterior lighting installations require on-site approval from the City Manager
• Sign Luminance: Illuminated signs must not exceed 300 foot-candles maximum luminance
• Emergency Lighting: Means of egress must be illuminated with at least 1 foot-candle (11 lux) at walking surface level
• Public Service Areas: Service building rooms must be well-lighted at all times
• Antenna Restrictions: No outdoor lighting on antennas in residential zones (except as required by FAA/FCC)

Outdoor Lighting Regulations

Residential Area Protections

The City of Ferris takes residential quality of life seriously. All outdoor lighting, including parking lot lighting, must be directed away from any property zoned or developed for residential uses. This requirement helps reduce light pollution and prevent light trespass into neighboring properties.

Approval Requirements

If you're planning to install exterior lighting on your property, be aware that Ferris requires official oversight. The use of exterior lighting, power generators, or other light-producing equipment requires on-site approval from the City Manager before installation.

Height Restrictions

For properties in residential zones, the regulations specify that no auxiliary or outdoor lighting above 20 feet shall be allowed. Additionally, no lights located on residential property may be directed beyond the property boundaries.

Sign Illumination Requirements

Safety Considerations

Illuminated signs in Ferris must be erected in a manner that doesn't interfere with traffic or pose health or safety hazards. The Chief Building Official has the authority to determine if a lighted sign creates a hazard and can require appropriate remedies.

Technical Specifications

For illuminated signs and billboards, Ferris maintains specific brightness limitations:

• Maximum overall luminance: 300 foot-candles
• Maximum luminance within any 2-foot diameter circle: 200 foot-candles
• These limitations are measured from other premises or public right-of-way

Sign Lighting Permissions

The city clearly specifies which types of signs may or may not incorporate lighting:

Lighting Allowed For:

• Multi-family entry monuments
• Subdivision entry monuments
• New commercial building signs

Lighting Prohibited For:

• Portable signs in non-residential districts
• Horizontal banner signs
• Civic on-premises signs
• Real estate signs (land sale, lease, etc.)
• Residential construction signs
• Weekend builder advertising signs
• Political signs
• Church, charity and civic on-premises signs

Electronic Message Boards

Message board signs receive special attention in the regulations. If such signs constitute a distraction to traffic (based on evidence or complaints), the Chief Building Official can review the sign and require it to be dimmed or otherwise altered as needed.

Emergency and Safety Lighting

Minimum Light Levels

In emergency situations, adequate lighting is crucial. When fire alarm notification appliances are activated, they must cause illumination of means of egress with light of not less than 1 foot-candle (11 lux) at the walking surface level.

Backup Power Requirements

Ferris requires emergency power for specific lighting applications:

• Means of egress illumination: 90 minutes for I-2 occupancies, 60 minutes elsewhere
• Exit signs in temporary tents and membrane structures: 90 minutes
• Airport traffic control towers over 65 feet in height: Standby power required for pressurization equipment, mechanical equipment, and lighting

Public and Service Area Lighting

Public Space Requirements

For public service areas, Ferris requires electric lamps of not less than 25 watts each, spaced at intervals of not more than 100 feet as required by the city. This ensures adequate illumination in public spaces for safety and accessibility.

Service Buildings

The code clearly states that service building rooms shall be well lighted at all times. This requirement ensures safe conditions for maintenance and operational activities in civic buildings.

Antenna and Tower Lighting

Residential Zone Restrictions

The regulations are quite specific regarding lighting on antennas in residential areas:

• No auxiliary or outdoor lighting shall be allowed on antennas located on residentially zoned property
• Exception: Lights required by the Federal Aviation Administration or Federal Communications Commission
• No lights on residential property may be directed beyond property boundaries

Right-of-Way and Infrastructure Lighting

Service Poles

The code defines a "SERVICE POLE" as a pole owned or operated by the city in a public right-of-way that supports lighting (other than a decorative pole).

Underground Utilities Areas

In areas designated for underground utilities, placement of street lights on poles in the right-of-way is prohibited. This requirement helps maintain the aesthetic character of areas where underground utility placement has been mandated.

Supporting Ferris's Lighting Vision

As Ferris continues to grow while preserving its historic brick-town character, lighting plays an important role in creating safe, functional, and attractive spaces. The town's regulations reflect a thoughtful approach to balancing modern needs with community aesthetics.

Local lighting professionals familiar with Ferris's unique character can serve as valuable resources for property owners navigating these regulations. These specialists understand the importance of maintaining the town's character while providing effective lighting solutions that comply with local requirements.

Working with professionals who appreciate Ferris's blend of historical preservation and modern development ensures lighting installations that enhance the community's character while meeting safety and functionality needs.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

Before installing any exterior lighting in Ferris:

• Obtain City Manager approval for exterior lighting installations
• Consider neighboring properties, especially residential areas
• Review sign lighting restrictions if planning illuminated signage
• Consult the Chief Building Official when uncertain about requirements

Compliance Benefits

Following Ferris's lighting regulations offers several benefits:

• Avoids potential code violations and associated penalties
• Maintains positive relationships with neighboring properties
• Contributes to the town's overall aesthetic quality
• Supports public safety through appropriate lighting practices

Conclusion

Ferris, Texas maintains lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to balancing historical character with modern needs. From protecting residential areas from light trespass to ensuring safe illumination levels in emergency situations, these requirements help create a community that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Property owners and businesses should familiarize themselves with these regulations before installing or modifying exterior lighting. By working within these guidelines, residents contribute to Ferris's ongoing vision of thoughtful development that respects both past and present.

For specific questions about lighting compliance in your particular situation, contact the Ferris Building Department or City Manager's office for guidance.