Lewisville Outdoor Pickleball Lighting Standards: The Planning and Zoning Commission of Lewisville, Texas, met on September 18, 2025, to review a request from Feather Smash LLC to allow brighter lighting for its planned outdoor pickleball courts. The facility is asking to exceed the city’s current lighting limit to meet national standards for pickleball play.
Request for Brighter Lights
Feather Smash, represented by Saurabh Shah of AARI Engineering LLC, wants permission to raise the outdoor lighting level from the city’s limit of 20 foot candles to 53 foot candles. The higher level follows recommendations from the USA Pickleball Association. A special use permit for outdoor pickleball courts was already approved in February.
Photometric data provided by Feather Smash showed lighting would stay below 47 foot candles, but the company is seeking flexibility to reach the higher limit if needed. Nearby tennis courts in the area have been measured at up to 49 foot candles.
Concerns and Safety Measures
Commissioners discussed possible light pollution and how it might affect nearby homes. It was explained that the closest neighborhood is shielded by the existing indoor building, reducing potential glare. The lighting plan is designed to focus directly on the courts to limit spillover to roads or nearby properties.
The facility’s operating hours are planned for 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. City officials noted that while dark sky certification is difficult to achieve, the project will still follow sustainability measures to reduce excessive lighting.
Future Impact
The commission’s decision will guide updates to Lewisville’s Unified Development Code, which sets outdoor court lighting standards. The outcome will help balance the needs of recreational facilities with community concerns about light pollution as pickleball continues to grow in popularity.
News in Brief: Lewisville Outdoor Pickleball Lighting Standards
Feather Smash LLC is seeking city approval to raise lighting levels for its planned outdoor pickleball courts in Lewisville, Texas. The request asks to increase the limit from 20 to 53 foot candles to meet USA Pickleball standards. City officials are reviewing the plan and its impact on nearby areas.
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