Council denies proposed exterior lighting ordinance amid compliance concerns

Planning staff presented proposed amendments to the Rowlett Development Code that would define technical lighting terms, set a residential limit of 0.25 foot-candles at the property line and require shielding and direction away from neighboring properties. The presentation included a 90-day compliance period for some existing fixtures.

During public comment, residents disputed how the amendments would be applied and whether previously permitted fixtures would be grandfathered; one resident said the ordinance could be "weaponized" against homeowners. Council members cited concerns about compliance, enforcement capacity and grandfathering language and ultimately moved to deny the amendment as presented. Council Member Mike Britton moved to deny; the motion carried unanimously.