Outdoor Lighting in Las Cruces, NM (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Las Cruces, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Las Cruces's Outdoor Lighting Ordinance (Chapter 39) requires new residential fixtures to be fully shielded and directed downward. Commercial lighting is capped by lumen limits and must dim 30 percent or shut off by 11 p.m. Violations are a petty misdemeanor.
Las Cruces Dark Sky Lighting Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Land Development Code ch. 39, Sec. 39-9(a) (Ord. No. 2781)
For residential properties, all outdoor luminaires shall meet the requirements of fully shielded or fully shielded residential.(b)Exceptions.(1)One partially shielded or unshielded luminaire at the main entry, not exceeding 1,800 luminaire lumens.(2)Any other partially shielded luminaire not exceeding 900 luminaire lumens.(3)Any other unshielded luminaire not exceeding 450 luminaire lumens.(4)S...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Las Cruces's Outdoor Lighting Ordinance bars light trespass, defined as light falling beyond the property it is meant to illuminate. Fixtures must be shielded and aimed away from neighbors, and commercial luminaires must meet backlight and glare (BUG) limits.
Las Cruces Light Trespass Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Land Development Code ch. 39, Sec. 39-8 (Ord. No. 2781)
Light trespass means light that falls beyond the property it is intended to illuminate. Lighting means "electric" or "manmade" or "artificial" lighting. See "Lighting equipment". Lighting equipment means equipment specifically intended to provide gas or electric illumination, including but not limited to, lamp(s), luminaire(s), ballast(s), poles, posts, lens(s), and related structures, el...
Billboard Lighting
Las Cruces caps illuminated signs and billboards at 150 nits of luminance under outdoor-lighting Sec. 39-13, with internally lit faces built to block upward sky glow. Electronic message displays get automatic dimming and separate nighttime (350 nits) and daytime (7,500 nits) ceilings, and installers must file photometric proof within ten business days.
Las Cruces Billboard and Sign Lighting Limits
Some RestrictionsLas Cruces, NM, Land Development Code § 39-13 (Signs and billboards)
(a)Signs and billboards.(1)Internally illuminated signs and billboards must be constructed so that the top of the sign is constructed of metal or of suitable material that does not allow light penetration vertically, so as to ensure that light is not emitted directly towards the sky. The light output from the face of the sign shall not exceed 150 nits.(2)Externally illuminated billboards and si...
Looking for Doña Ana County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Las Cruces city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Doña Ana County →