Outdoor Lighting in Rio Rancho, NM (2026)
2 verified outdoor lighting rules for Rio Rancho, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Rio Rancho's Outdoor Lighting Ordinance (Chapter 159) requires outdoor lighting to be hooded, shielded and aimed downward, with no upward escaping light. It adopts the New Mexico Night Sky Protection Act (NMSA 1978, Chapter 74, Article 12), and where they conflict the more stringent rule controls.
Rio Rancho Dark-Sky / Outdoor Lighting Rules
Some RestrictionsLight Trespass
Rio Rancho's Outdoor Lighting Ordinance defines light trespass and prohibits it. Section 159.03 defines light trespass as light shining beyond the property where the fixture is installed, and Section 159.07 requires fixtures to keep all direct illumination within the owner's property and bars nuisance or disabling glare onto neighbors.