CHAPTER 425. REGULATION OF CERTAIN OUTDOOR LIGHTING
HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
TITLE 5. SANITATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
SUBTITLE F. LIGHT POLLUTION
CHAPTER 425. REGULATION OF CERTAIN OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Sec. 425.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Cutoff luminaire" means a luminaire in which 2.5% or less
of the lamp lumens are emitted above a horizontal plane through
the luminaire's lowest part and 10% or less of the lamp lumens
are emitted at a vertical angle 80 degrees above the luminaire's
lowest point.
(2) "Light pollution" means the night sky glow caused by the
scattering of artificial light in the atmosphere.
(3) "Outdoor lighting fixture" means any type of fixed or
movable lighting equipment that is designed or used for
illumination outdoors. The term includes billboard lighting,
street lights, searchlights and other lighting used for
advertising purposes, and area lighting. The term does not
include lighting equipment that is required by law to be
installed on motor vehicles or lighting required for the safe
operation of aircraft.
(4) "State funds" means:
(A) money appropriated by the legislature; or
(B) bond revenues of the state.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1999. Renumbered from Sec. 421.001 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch.
1420, Sec. 21.001(76), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 425.002. STANDARDS FOR STATE-FUNDED OUTDOOR LIGHTING
FIXTURES. (a) An outdoor lighting fixture may be installed,
replaced, maintained, or operated using state funds only if:
(1) the new or replacement outdoor lighting fixture is a cutoff
luminaire if the rated output of the outdoor lighting fixture is
greater than 1,800 lumens;
(2) the minimum illuminance adequate for the intended purpose is
used with consideration given to nationally recognized standards;
(3) for lighting of a designated highway of the state highway
system, the Texas Department of Transportation determines that
the purpose of the outdoor lighting fixture cannot be achieved by
the installation of reflective road markers, lines, warning or
informational signs, or other effective passive methods; and
(4) full consideration has been given to energy conservation,
reducing glare, minimizing light pollution, and preserving the
natural night environment.
(b) For purposes of Subsection (a)(4), "energy conservation"
means reducing energy costs and resources used and includes using
a light with lower wattage or a timer switch.
(c) Subsection (a) does not apply if:
(1) a federal law, rule, or regulation preempts state law;
(2) the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis
because emergency personnel require additional illumination for
emergency procedures;
(3) the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis
for nighttime work;
(4) special events or situations require additional
illumination;
(5) the outdoor lighting fixture is used solely to enhance the
aesthetic beauty of an object; or
(6) a compelling safety interest exists that cannot be addressed
by another method.
(d) Special events or situations that may require additional
illumination include sporting events and illumination of
monuments, historic structures, or flags. Illumination for
special events or situations must be installed to shield the
outdoor lighting fixtures from direct view and to minimize upward
lighting and light pollution.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 713, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1999. Renumbered from Sec. 421.002 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch.
1420, Sec. 21.001(76), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.