Lighting Regulations in Harker Heights, Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Harker Heights, Texas, established in 1960 by Pinckney R. Cox and Harley Kern, has evolved from its humble beginnings as farmland into a thriving suburban community. Unlike many older Texas cities with extensive historical districts, Harker Heights developed primarily in the latter half of the 20th century, largely influenced by its proximity to Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood).

The city's lighting regulations reflect its focus on creating functional, safe, and community-oriented environments while minimizing nuisances between neighboring properties. As Harker Heights has grown from approximately 12,800 residents in 1990 to over 17,000 in 2000, these regulations have become increasingly important to maintain the quality of life valued by residents.

Let's explore the lighting requirements that property owners, businesses, and developers need to understand when planning projects in Harker Heights.

Quick Reference Guide

• Maximum Luminary Height: 32 feet (except for streetlights in public rights-of-way)
• Light Trespass: Prohibited - all lighting must be contained on source property
• Minimum Interior Illumination: 5 foot-candles for certain businesses
• Egress Illumination: Minimum 1 foot-candle (11 lux) at walking surface
• T-Zone Outdoor Lighting: 100 watts per 500 square feet
• Digital Sign Intensity: Maximum 7,000 NITS daytime, 2,500 NITS nighttime (multiple colors)
• Sign Bulbs: No single light bulb shall exceed 40 watts
• Up-lighting: Generally prohibited with specific exceptions
• Holiday Lighting: Permitted for maximum 40 days per year

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Definition and Scope

In Harker Heights, "exterior lighting" includes all freestanding lights, ground lights, illuminated signs, and luminaries mounted on building exteriors. Importantly, interior lighting visible from the exterior is treated as exterior lighting for regulatory purposes.

Permission and Review Process

Any person wishing to install exterior lighting for non-residential and multi-family uses must first request a site plan review and obtain approval. This plan must specify:

• Location of all exterior lighting fixtures
• Height of luminaries
• Type of all exterior lighting

Light Containment and Direction

Harker Heights places strong emphasis on preventing light from spilling onto neighboring properties:

• All exterior lighting must be shielded or oriented to contain illumination on the source property
• Direction requirement: Lighting must be directed away from adjoining streets and residential properties
• Light trespass prevention: Light emission must not cause objectionable glare observable from adjoining streets and properties
• Traffic safety: Lighting that could be mistaken for traffic signals or present driving hazards is prohibited

Height Restrictions

• The height of luminaries shall not exceed 32 feet
• This restriction excludes streetlights in public rights-of-way

Special Lighting Applications

Up-lighting Regulations

Up-lighting is generally prohibited in Harker Heights, with these specific exceptions:

• Flag illumination: Permitted adjacent to flagpoles if targeted directly at the flag without causing light trespass
• Ornamental lighting: Permitted for sculptures, buildings, and landscape features when enhancing area character (provided no light trespass)
• Sign up-lighting: Permitted if no light trespass or driving hazard is created

Canopy Lighting Requirements

• Must be fully shielded or recessed
• Light lenses must be flush with the bottom surface of the canopy

Temporary and Seasonal Lighting

• Holiday lighting: Permitted for a maximum of 40 days per year
• Special events: Temporary lighting for special activities may be approved in writing by the Building Official
• Unshielded lighting: May be allowed with written approval if it won't cause light trespass or driving hazards

Sign Illumination Requirements

Digital and Electronic Signs

Digital signs must meet stringent requirements to prevent distraction and nuisance:

• Mandatory equipment: Dimmer control and photocell to automatically adjust display intensity
• Maximum intensity levels (NITS):
• Red Only: 3,150 daytime, 1,125 nighttime
• Green Only: 6,300 daytime, 2,250 nighttime
• Amber Only: 4,690 daytime, 1,675 nighttime
• Multiple Colors: 7,000 daytime, 2,500 nighttime
• Manufacturer certification: Required prior to permit issuance, confirming:
• Factory programming to not exceed 7,000 NITS
• Password protection or equivalent method to prevent end-user manipulation

General Sign Lighting Rules

• Bulb wattage: No single light bulb shall exceed 40 watts
• Electrical compliance: Wiring must conform to Article 600 of the current National Electrical Code
• Movement restrictions: Sign lighting shall not move, flash, strobe, blink, rotate, or change intensity
• Subdivision signs: Must be illuminated by reflected light only
• Hazard prevention: Any sign lighting calculated to constitute a hazard to motorists must be altered

Exceptions to Movement Restrictions

• Decorative building lighting (including permitted wall signs) at least 25 feet from property lines along roadways
• Time and temperature displays

Specific Use Requirements

Business Interior Lighting

• Minimum illumination: Certain establishments must provide interior lighting at minimum 5 foot-candles measured at floor level
• Room surveillance: Where video surveillance is required, illumination must be sufficient for clear and accurate display of room contents and occupants

Emergency Lighting

• Egress routes: Activation of fire alarm notification appliances must provide illumination of at least 1 foot-candle (11 lux) at walking surface level

Outdoor Areas in T Zones

• Must be lighted when in use
• Minimum illumination: 100 watts of light for every 500 square feet

Special Structures

• Wireless telecommunication facilities: No artificial illumination except as required by FAA/FCC and motion-detector security lights
• Wind energy systems: All lighting not required by FAA is prohibited

Street Lighting Requirements

Installation Requirements

• Adequate street lighting for pedestrian and traffic safety must be installed in:
• All subdivisions within city boundaries
• Subdivisions in extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) requesting voluntary annexation

Placement Guidelines

Street lights shall generally be limited to:

• Intersections
• Curves
• Dead ends
• Cul-de-sacs
• Streets where pole spacing exceeds 600 feet

Technical Specifications

• Installation procedures and specifications established by the serving electric utility company
• Special non-standard poles or fixtures from other sources are prohibited and won't be accepted for dedication

Supporting Harker Heights' Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique needs of growing communities like Harker Heights. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate how important proper lighting is to maintain community standards while ensuring safety and functionality.

We share Harker Heights' commitment to creating welcoming, family-friendly environments where lighting enhances community spaces without causing nuisance to neighbors. Our expertise in lighting design can help property owners navigate regulations while creating beautiful, functional spaces.

Bock Lighting is committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Harker Heights' vision for controlled growth and community-oriented development. We value our role as an educational resource for communities seeking to balance modern lighting needs with neighborhood harmony.

Our local presence enables us to better understand the specific requirements and community standards that shape Harker Heights' approach to lighting regulation.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Ahead

Before installing exterior lighting on commercial or multi-family properties:

• Submit detailed site plans showing fixture locations, heights, and types
• Ensure all fixtures will direct light away from neighboring properties
• Verify compliance with height restrictions and shielding requirements

Common Compliance Issues

The most frequent lighting violations in Harker Heights involve:

• Light trespass: Light spilling onto neighboring properties
• Improper shielding: Failing to contain illumination within property boundaries
• Excessive brightness: Especially with digital signs and display lighting
• Improper up-lighting: Installing up-lighting without meeting exceptions

Resolving Problems

If the Fire Marshal identifies a "dangerous arrangement of lighting devices or systems," property owners must remedy the situation promptly to avoid potential fines.

Conclusion

Harker Heights' lighting regulations reflect its identity as a developing suburban community that prioritizes safety, functionality, and harmonious neighborhood relations. Rather than focusing on historical preservation, these regulations emphasize practical concerns like preventing light trespass and ensuring adequate illumination for safety.

Property owners should pay particular attention to light containment requirements, height restrictions, and specific illumination levels for different applications. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to the welcoming, community-oriented environment that has characterized Harker Heights since its founding.

Remember that lighting requirements may change over time as the city continues to grow and develop. Always consult with city officials regarding the current requirements before undertaking new lighting projects.