2025-071 Thoroughfare Lighting September 26,2025 Report No. 2025-071
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Additional option for thoroughfare lighting
BACKGROUND:
Denton's thoroughfare lighting standard is a cobra-head fixture on a white, concrete pole (Figure
1). This configuration is dark-sky compliant, but the aesthetic of the configuration is in stark
contrast to the more modern expression of the newly approved, square fixture (Figure 2) which
will be used in residential developments. The chosen color scheme for the residential lights is a
dark-gray luminaire on a dark-gray, square pole.
After careful research and analysis, DME Engineering has identified a thoroughfare fixture that
meets the following criteria:
• Compliance with current lighting standards
• Dark Sky certification, minimizing light pollution and preserving night sky visibility
• Equal look of residential lighting but sized appropriately for throughfare lighting
requirements
• Energy efficiency and long-term sustainability
This solution reflects our ongoing efforts to balance functionality, community needs, and
environmental responsibility while providing an aesthetic that beautifies the City of Denton.
Previous Actions
City Council; June 4, 2024; ID23-1856; Public Hearing
Development Code Review Committee; August 14, 2023; DCR23-039
DISCUSSION:
The thoroughfare fixture identified is from the same family of fixtures for the residential lighting
but slightly larger in size. This light will be installed on a dark-gray, round pole with arms.
September 26,2025 Report No. 2025-071
Figure I Figure 2
CONCLUSION:
DME will include the equivalent version of the residential lighting option for thoroughfare lighting
in the Denton Design Criteria Manual which is proposed to be presented, at a future date, to the
Council. This pole and fixture will be specified for all new capital improvement projects for
roadways which require the addition of street lighting for a thoroughfare or collector roadway.
STAFF CONTACT:
Jerry Fielder, P.E.
Executive Manager of Engineering Services
JerryFielder@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-7173
REQUESTOR: Staff Initiated