Rio Rancho, NM Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

Rio Rancho's noise ordinance (Municipal Code 131.06, effective July 1, 2024) does not contain a stand-alone 'construction hours' window the way some cities do; routine construction is instead governed by the general daytime/nighttime decibel limits and by the outdoor power-equipment restriction. Per the city's published rules, no person may operate or allow to be operated outdoors any power equipment during the hours of 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., and such equipment is capped at 85 dB(A) measured at the property line. The ordinance lists construction, demolition, and repair work as exempt from the decibel limits when the work is an emergency or is authorized by the government (for example, permitted public works). General contractor noise during normal daytime hours is otherwise judged against the zone decibel limits (55 dB(A) residential daytime, 65 dB(A) commercial, 75 dB(A) industrial). New Mexico state law does not impose statewide construction start/stop hours, so the city ordinance and any project permit conditions control. Penalties for violations follow Municipal Code 10.99 - up to a $500 fine and/or 90 days, each day a separate offense. A short-duration activity that cannot meet the limits may seek a temporary variance from the City Manager (maximum four per applicant per 12-month period).