58 South Padre Island is the most southern Scenic City. The city faces a unique set of challenges because it is located on an island that is largely a tourist destination. The island is home to 2,818 people and attracts around 4 million visitors each year. At any given day the number of people on the island is averaged to be 11,780.14 South Padre Island is 113 miles long and 3 miles wide at some points. The lighting standards on South Padre Island are intended to protect the wildlife that inhabit the island. The local government has set measures to combat light pollution across the island. There are regulations for the lighting fixtures, bulbs, glare, and commercial residential lighting. The lighting that is selected to be allowed on the islands minimizes glare, excess lighting to adjected properties, and light pollution. South Padre Island does not maintain or install street lighting. A third party, American Electric Power, handles maintenance and installations. There are five full time code enforcements officers on the island that will report lighting standard violations. If a person violates the lighting standards on the island, they may be subject to pay $500 or more. During developments, builders must comply with the lighting standards to receive a building permit. South Padre Island has a comprehensive plan that was passed by city council in 2008 (Image 17). The plan highlights recommendation actions that the city has been working on since 2008. The plan includes maintaining a high standard of land use, appearances, and preservation.15 Part of the plan is dedicated to preservation for birds, marine and other animals. South Padre is also facing continuous development in a vulnerable area. The city has set development regulations to ensure all new developments are within the sustainable and scenic standards the city has set.
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https://southpadreislandedc.com/population#:~:text=In%20the%20Resort%20Market%20Analysis,to%2027%20for%20Cameron%20County. https://www.myspi.org/egov/documents/1394143273_17709.pdf
