Lighting Regulations in Mansfield, Texas: Preserving Character While Ensuring Safety

Quick Reference Guide to Mansfield's Lighting Requirements

• Residential Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 0.2 footcandles at property lines adjacent to residential properties
• Maximum 1.5 footcandles at property lines adjacent to arterial streets
• Maximum 0.2 footcandles at property lines adjacent to collector or residential streets
• Residential Light Pole Height: Maximum 20 feet
• Public Lighting Specifications:
• A-Thoroughfares: Column design, maximum 16 feet high, spaced at maximum 30-foot intervals
• B-Thoroughfares: Post or pipe design, 13 feet high, spaced at maximum 60-foot intervals
• Cobra head fixtures prohibited (unless required by TxDOT)
• Park & Recreation Facility Hours:
• High activity parks (with lighted amenities): 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Low activity parks (security lighting only): 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Lighted trails: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Unlit trails: 5:00 a.m. to 30 minutes after sundown

Introduction: Balancing History and Progress in Mansfield

Founded in 1859 by Ralph S. Man and Julian Feild, Mansfield, Texas has grown from a small mill town to a thriving community in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The city's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historical character while meeting the needs of a modern municipality.

Mansfield's regulations aim to reduce light pollution and glare while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security. These standards help maintain the aesthetic integrity of Mansfield's neighborhoods and historic areas while providing proper lighting for commercial districts and public spaces.

Residential Lighting Requirements

Purpose and Intent

Mansfield's residential outdoor lighting regulations serve several key purposes:

• Minimizing adverse offsite impacts such as light trespass and glare
• Curtailing light pollution and reducing sky glow
• Conserving energy and resources
• Eliminating nuisance lighting

What Constitutes a Lighting Nuisance?

In Mansfield, a residential lighting nuisance is specifically defined by measurable standards:

• Light trespass limits:
• Maximum 0.2 footcandles at property lines adjacent to residentially zoned property
• Maximum 1.5 footcandles at property lines adjacent to arterial streets
• Maximum 0.2 footcandles at property lines adjacent to collector or residential streets

Height Restrictions and Mounting Requirements

• Maximum pole height: 20 feet for residential outdoor lighting
• Building-mounted fixtures: All building-mounted luminaires exceeding 315 lumens must be directed downward

Prohibited Residential Lighting

The city explicitly prohibits:

• Light sources above 315 lumens that aren't aimed to prevent light trespass or glare
• Unshielded lighting sources over 315 lumens
• Searchlights, strobes, or pulsating lights
• Low pressure sodium bulbs
• Any lighting creating a nuisance based on footcandle measurements

Public and Street Lighting Standards

Thoroughfare Lighting Specifications

Mansfield has detailed requirements for public lighting based on street classification:

A-Thoroughfares

• Design: Column style
• Maximum height: 16 feet (measured from base to top of luminaire)
• Spacing: Maximum 30 feet apart
• Positioning: 30 feet from street intersections

B-Thoroughfares

• Design: Post or pipe style
• Height: 13 feet (measured from base to top of luminaire)
• Spacing: Maximum 60 feet apart
• Positioning: 30 feet from street intersections

Manufactured Home Communities

Street lights in manufactured home rental communities must be:

• Installed at 300-foot intervals along all internal streets
• Equipped with minimum 200-watt high pressure sodium lamps

Light Level Requirements by Zone

Mansfield regulates maximum illumination levels at property frontages by transect zone:

• T-3 and T-4 Zones: Maximum 1.0 footcandles
• T-5 Zones: Maximum 2.0 footcandles
• T-6 Zones: Maximum 5.0 footcandles

Commercial and Non-Residential Lighting

Light Trespass Prevention

All non-residential lighting must be shielded or directed away from abutting residential properties to prevent direct illumination across property boundaries.

Mobile Food Vendors

Exterior lighting for mobile food vendors must be:

• Directed downward
• Hooded or shielded so the light source is not directly visible

Special Use Requirements

Adult Entertainment Establishments

• Interior spaces: Minimum 20 footcandles illumination
• Parking and outdoor areas: Minimum 5 footcandles illumination

Swimming Pools

Pool lights that are dislodged, leaking, or inoperable when needed will result in pool closure.

Park and Recreation Facility Lighting

Operating Hours Based on Lighting

Mansfield's park hours are determined by lighting levels:

• High activity parks (with lighted amenities for use after dark): 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Low activity parks (with low or security level lighting only): 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Lighted sections of linear park trails: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Unlit sections of linear park trails: 5:00 a.m. to 30 minutes after sundown

Lighting Requirements for Parks

Mansfield requires lighting for:

• Neighborhood parks
• Parks (along paths and trails)
• Pocket parks
• Squares

Sign Lighting Regulations

Permitted and Prohibited Lighting

• Permitted sign lighting: Real estate, construction, development, window, institutional, apartment name, general business, advertising, and directory signs may be illuminated
• Prohibited features:
• High intensity lights as part of sign displays
• Revolving beams or emergency vehicle light resemblances
• Searchlights, bullhorns, pendants, spinners, and string lights (except as permitted)

Electronic Message Centers (EMC)

EMCs must:

• Automatically dim to within 0.3 footcandles over ambient illumination at night
• Include a sensor that determines ambient illumination
• Be verified for compliance through third-party consultation

Special Sign Restrictions

• Kiosk signs: May not be illuminated
• Neighborhood information signs: No lighting allowed

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Timeline

If you have non-compliant lighting:

• Signs with flashing lights or intermittent illumination must be brought into compliance within 90 days of ordinance adoption
• Specifically prohibited signs must be discontinued or removed within 180 days

Maintenance Requirements

For multi-family properties:

• Exterior illumination required at all building entrances
• Lighting must be operational between half hour before sunset and half hour after sunrise
• Inoperable exterior lighting must be repaired within 7 days of notification

Tree Maintenance for Lighting

The city has the right to prune trees overhanging public right-of-way that interfere with proper spread of light from street lights or visibility of traffic control devices.

Supporting Mansfield's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Mansfield's commitment to balancing historical character with modern lighting needs. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with extensive experience in municipal lighting projects, we understand the importance of regulations that preserve community character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Our team appreciates Mansfield's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that protect residential areas from light pollution while providing adequate illumination for public spaces. We value the city's efforts to maintain its unique identity – from its historic downtown to its modern residential developments.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, offering expertise in sustainable lighting practices that align with municipal goals. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a helpful partner for communities like Mansfield that are preserving their distinctive character while embracing practical lighting solutions.

Conclusion

Mansfield's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. From residential light trespass limits to public lighting standards, these regulations help create a cohesive community appearance while reducing light pollution.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements, particularly regarding maximum illumination levels, fixture heights, and prohibited lighting types. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Mansfield's efforts to preserve its unique character while providing appropriate lighting for safety and security.