Rio Rancho, NM Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Rio Rancho, NM, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Exempt
- emergency/govt-authorized work
- Not exempt
- routine construction noise
- Governing limit
- §131.06(E) Tables 1-2
- Vibrations
- exempt outright, (F)(2)
Summary
Rio Rancho, New Mexico exempts construction, demolition, and repair noise from its decibel limits only when the work is emergency in nature or government-authorized: routine construction stays bound by the zoned dB(A)/dB(C) caps.
Construction, demolition, or repair work. The limits set forth in this section do not apply to sounds generated in construction, demolition or repair work of an emergency nature or in work on improvements authorized by any governmental body or agency.
(4) Entertainment/sporting events. The limits set forth in this section do not apply to those sounds emanating from authorized school bands, school athletic/entertainment events, or those sounds generated by a stadium, amphitheater, arena, or athletic field.
(5) Horns and signal devices. The limits set forth in this section do not apply to the sounding any horn or signaling device of any automobile, motorcycle, truck, or other vehicle on any roadway when used as a danger warning, or by an authorized emergency vehicle when responding to an emergency call or acting in a time of emergency.
(6) Human voices. The limits set forth in this section do not apply to sound levels created by unamplified human voices.
(7) Fireworks displays. The limits set forth in this section do not apply to any public or private legally permitted fireworks displays. Chapter 92, Fireworks, remains in full force and effect.
(8) Mass transit. The limits set forth in this section do not apply to sounds or vibrations generated in the operation of any mass transit system.
(9) Parades and protests. The limits set forth in this section do not apply to legally permitted parades or to protests.
(10)
Full Breakdown
Section 131.06(F)(3) excuses sounds from construction, demolition, or repair work from the chapter's decibel limits only when that work is of an emergency nature or performed on improvements authorized by a governmental body or agency. Ordinary, non-emergency construction noise in Rio Rancho, Sandoval County therefore remains subject to the Table 1/2 zoned limits in § 131.06(E). Vibrations from construction, demolition, or repair work are separately exempted outright under § 131.06(F)(2), regardless of emergency status.
Violations & Fines
Non-emergency, non-government-authorized construction noise above the zoned Table 1/2 limit violates § 131.06; the city's general penalty (§ 10.99) fines up to $500 and/or 90 days jail, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is construction noise exempt from Rio Rancho's noise ordinance?
What about vibrations from a construction site?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rio Rancho
How Rio Rancho compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Rio Rancho to another location·View the New Mexico noise ordinances overview
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