Lighting Regulations in Godley, Texas: A Guide to Community Standards and Safety Requirements

Introduction

Nestled in Johnson County along State Highway 171 and the historic Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad tracks, Godley, Texas, has maintained its small-town charm while steadily growing from a population of just over 300 in the 1940s to nearly 1,000 residents by 2006. With deep roots in community values and education, as evidenced by the construction of the Godley School in 1940 with assistance from the Works Progress Administration, the city has always balanced growth with preservation of its distinctive character.

This balance extends to the city's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to ensure safety while respecting the community's aesthetic priorities. Understanding these requirements is essential for property owners, businesses, and residents alike.

Quick Reference Guide

Essential Lighting Requirements in Godley:

• Safety Standard: Dangerous or improper lighting arrangements must be remedied by property owners
• Energy Code: The city follows the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• Mobile Home Parks: Require minimum illumination of 0.6 footcandle for streets
• Sign Illumination: Must be shielded to prevent glare on public rights-of-way
• Excavation Safety: Nighttime excavations require lighting or reflectorized barricades
• Special Business Requirements: Specific illumination standards for certain business types

General Safety Requirements

Dangerous Lighting Arrangements

The Godley building code clearly states that dangerous arrangements of lighting devices or systems must be removed or remedied by the owner or occupant of the building or premises. This broad requirement empowers the city to address lighting installations that may present hazards.

What Constitutes "Dangerous" Lighting?

The code specifically addresses lighting that is:

• Dangerous to persons, health, or property of others
• Fire hazards that promote, augment, or cause fires
• Creating conditions that are dangerous to firefighters or building occupants

Violations of these provisions may result in penalties as outlined in the city code under § 10.99.

Energy Conservation Standards

Godley has adopted the 2015 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to regulate energy-efficient lighting and power systems. This adoption includes amendments recommended by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Regional Codes Coordinating Committee, which can be found at www.nctcog.org.

Mobile Home Park Lighting Requirements

Street Illumination Standards

Mobile home parks in Godley must meet specific illumination requirements to ensure safety:

• General street areas: Average maintained illumination of 0.6 footcandle with a minimum of 0.1 footcandle
• Hazardous locations: Intersections, steps, and ramps require minimum illumination of 0.6 footcandle

Implementation Guidelines

These illumination standards are designed to enable safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles at night within mobile home communities. Park owners should ensure lighting fixtures are properly spaced and mounted at appropriate heights to achieve these required illumination levels consistently.

Construction and Excavation Lighting

Nighttime Safety Measures

When excavating in city streets, contractors must:

• Adequately protect all excavations with barricades or other obstructions
• Provide at least one light or reflectorized barricade on each side of the excavation during nighttime
• Maintain these safety measures until the excavation is resurfaced and approved by the Director of Public Works

These requirements prioritize public safety by ensuring that potential hazards are clearly visible to pedestrians and motorists during nighttime hours.

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Requirements

Godley's code provides specific guidance on how signs may be illuminated:

• Interior or floodlight projection is required for all signs (except billboards)
• Floodlights must be shielded to prevent glare visible from public rights-of-way and neighboring properties
• Signs may not blink, flash, or be animated by lighting in a way that resembles traffic safety signs
• No sign may be attached to light standards located in public rights-of-way

Searchlight Regulations

Searchlights and similar lighting sources used for advertising are classified as temporary signs and must adhere to these limitations:

• Display limited to no more than 5 consecutive days
• Total usage not to exceed 30 days per calendar year
• Prohibited on public rights-of-way unless permitted by the city when no reasonable alternative exists

Special Business Lighting Requirements

Some businesses in Godley are subject to heightened lighting standards:

• Sexually oriented businesses must provide:
• Overhead lighting with minimum 5-foot candle illumination measured at floor level
• Parking lot lighting with minimum 5-foot candle illumination measured at ground level
• Continuous maintenance of these illumination levels whenever patrons are present

These increased requirements reflect the city's commitment to public safety and security in specific business environments.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing or renovating property in Godley, lighting considerations should be integrated early in the planning process. The city requires that plat applications include "the location and details of lighting and electrical systems," ensuring proper review of lighting plans before construction begins.

Addressing Violations

Property owners should be proactive in addressing any potentially dangerous lighting arrangements. The code places responsibility squarely on owners and occupants to remedy problematic lighting installations before they result in safety issues or code violations.

Balancing Functionality and Community Character

While meeting the technical requirements, property owners should consider how their lighting choices align with Godley's small-town character and community values. Thoughtful lighting design can enhance both safety and aesthetic appeal.

Supporting Godley's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like Godley, with our roots dating back to 1918. As a manufacturer with deep experience in small towns and growing communities, we recognize the importance of balancing safety requirements with aesthetic considerations that preserve community character.

We share Godley's commitment to education and community development, viewing our role as not just providing lighting solutions but serving as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. Our experience with projects that respect community character while meeting safety standards can be valuable to Godley residents seeking to enhance their properties while maintaining the town's distinctive appeal.

Bock Lighting's appreciation for the balance between modern technology and traditional values aligns with Godley's approach to steady, thoughtful development. We're committed to supporting communities with responsible lighting practices that enhance safety while respecting local character and regulations.

Conclusion

Godley's lighting regulations reflect the city's practical approach to ensuring safety while maintaining its small-town character. From the basic requirements for safe lighting arrangements to specific standards for specialized businesses and mobile home parks, these regulations serve the community's needs without imposing excessive restrictions.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements, particularly when planning new construction or renovations. By understanding and following Godley's lighting standards, residents and businesses contribute to a safer, more attractive community that honors its historical roots while embracing appropriate growth and development.

Remember that lighting choices impact not just individual properties but the entire community experience. Thoughtful compliance with these regulations helps preserve Godley's character while ensuring safe and efficient illumination for all.