Lighting Regulations in Heath, Texas: Preserving Rural Character Through Dark Sky Initiatives

Introduction: Heath's Lighting Vision

Founded in 1846 and originally known as Black Hills, Heath, Texas has transformed from a rural agricultural settlement to a vibrant suburban community within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Despite its growth from just 175 residents in 1960 to nearly 7,000 by 2010, Heath maintains a firm commitment to preserving its rural character and natural beauty.

This balance between growth and preservation is nowhere more evident than in Heath's comprehensive outdoor lighting regulations, particularly its Dark Sky Ordinance (Chapter 98). These thoughtfully crafted guidelines aim to reduce light pollution, maintain Heath's quaint rural character, preserve views of the night sky, and promote energy efficiency – all while ensuring property safety and harmony between neighbors.

Quick Reference Guide to Heath's Lighting Regulations

Before diving into specifics, here's what property owners should know at a glance:

• Heath has a comprehensive Dark Sky Ordinance (Chapter 98) that applies to all non-residential properties
• Color requirements: 3,000 Kelvin or less with minimum CRI of 80 for non-residential lighting
• Height restrictions: 20-foot maximum for light poles and standards
• Light trespass limits: Range from 0.1 to 1.5 footcandles depending on neighboring property zoning
• Curfews apply: Most recreational lighting must end by 10:00 PM
• Fixture requirements: Full shielding for fixtures exceeding 1,500 lumens
• Non-compliant lighting: Must be brought into compliance within 5 years of ordinance effective date
• Permit requirement: Outdoor lighting installations require permits

Technical Requirements for Non-Residential Properties

Illumination Standards

Heath's regulations include precise technical specifications to ensure appropriate lighting levels:

• Maximum illumination: 5 footcandles at any point (10 FC under canopies)
• Average illumination: Not to exceed 1.5 FC in parking, pedestrian ways, and fire lanes
• Total lumens: Aggregate outdoor lighting limited to 65,000 lumens per net acre of parking, pedestrian ways, and fire lanes
• Color requirements:
• Temperature: 3,000 Kelvin or less
• Color Rendering Index (CRI): Minimum of 80

Light Trespass Limitations

The city defines strict boundaries for light spillover onto neighboring properties:

• Single-family residential districts: 0.1 FC maximum
• Multiple-family district: 0.5 FC maximum
• Agricultural district: 0.1 FC maximum
• Nonresidential districts: 1.5 FC maximum
• Lake Edge Zoning District: 0.1 FC maximum
• Public areas including right-of-way: 0.5 FC maximum

Fixture Shielding Requirements

• Any fixture exceeding 1,500 lumens must be fully shielded
• Lighting must be positioned to prevent a line of sight from any off-property point to the light source
• For fixtures affixed to canopies or soffits, fixtures must be flush mounted or side shielded

Specialized Lighting Applications

Recreational Facilities

Heath places special emphasis on controlling lighting at recreational facilities:

• Tennis courts: Lights must be extinguished by 11:00 PM (April-October) or 10:00 PM (November-March)
• Ball fields and other recreational facilities:
• Lighting allowed from 30 minutes before dusk until 10:00 PM
• Not earlier than 6:00 PM weekdays and 5:00 PM weekends
• Must be fully shielded with luminous elements not visible from adjacent residential properties
• Extensions require specific approval

Flag Pole Illumination

• Illumination is not preferred but permitted for up to two governmental flags
• Must be illuminated from above with fully shielded fixtures at 90°
• Limited to 800 lumens output
• Maximum height of 20 feet including light fixture

Sign Lighting

• Non-residential outdoor internally-illuminated signs must conform to both Chapter 98 and Chapter 151
• Monument signs may only use internal lighting for sculpted aluminum panels
• Ground lighting sources are permitted if lights and support structures aren't visible from public right-of-way
• No lighted sign shall be erected within 150 feet of residentially zoned property unless lighting is shielded

Prohibited Lighting Types

Heath explicitly prohibits several lighting types:

• Mercury vapor and high-pressure sodium fixtures
• Wall pack fixtures (unless fully shielded)
• Barn-light style fixtures (unless modified with opaque reflector)
• Spotlights and searchlights (with limited exceptions)
• Strobe or flashing effects including laser lights, illuminated disco balls, and rapidly changing message boards

Exemptions

The ordinance provides exemptions for:

• Lighting required by building codes for life safety
• Holiday lighting
• Underwater lighting in swimming pools (if not creating strobe effects)
• Temporary lighting for events or work
• Emergency services lighting
• Lighting addressing imminent peril

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Timeline

• Existing non-conforming lighting: Must be brought into compliance within 5 years of the ordinance effective date
• Immediate compliance required: When property undergoes significant changes (50%+ remodeling, vacant for 6+ months, etc.)
• New installations: All new outdoor lighting must comply with current standards

Planning Requirements

Non-residential property owners should be prepared to submit:

• Outdoor lighting plan prepared by a lighting designer or engineer
• Site plan showing light fixture locations with measurements
• Specification sheets for all fixtures
• Building elevations showing fixture heights
• Photometric measurements demonstrating compliance

Measurement Standards

When evaluating compliance, measurements will be taken:

• Using direct reading portable light meters with color and cosine corrected sensors
• At least one hour after sunset or before sunrise
• When visibility is six miles or greater
• In both horizontal and vertical planes
• With specific sensor positioning requirements

Supporting Heath's Lighting Vision

As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting shares Heath's commitment to preserving community character while embracing practical lighting solutions. We understand that Heath's journey from a small rural settlement to a growing suburban community has created unique challenges in balancing growth with preservation of the city's distinctive rural feel.

Bock Lighting appreciates Heath's thoughtful approach to outdoor lighting that protects the night sky while ensuring safety and functionality. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating these comprehensive regulations.

Our focus on sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Heath's vision. We're committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through lighting solutions that respect local regulations while meeting practical needs.

Conclusion

Heath's comprehensive lighting regulations reflect the city's dedication to preserving its rural character while accommodating growth. By limiting light pollution, the city protects its natural beauty, reduces energy consumption, and maintains the visibility of the night sky that early settlers would have enjoyed.

For property owners, understanding and complying with these regulations ensures not only legal compliance but contribution to the community's shared vision. While the technical requirements may seem extensive, they ultimately serve to create a more harmonious, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing environment for all Heath residents.

Whether you're planning a new development or updating existing lighting, taking the time to understand these regulations will help preserve Heath's unique character for generations to come.