Outdoor Lighting in Las Cruces, NM (2026)
2 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.
Light Trespass
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.