Rio Rancho, NM Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Quiet hours
- 8 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Noise cap
- 85 dB(A)
- Covers
- blowers, mowers, power saws
- Measured at
- source property line
Summary
Rio Rancho, New Mexico bars outdoor power equipment, sweepers, mowers, leaf and snow blowers, rototillers, and power saws, from running 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., and caps their noise at 85 dB(A) at the property line.
No person shall operate or allow to be operated outdoors any power equipment, including, but not limited to, sweepers, power mowers, leaf/snow blowers, rototillers, power saws, or other equipment used to perform gardening, property repair or other functions during the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. At no time when operational shall the sound level caused by or emitted from any of such equipment/tools exceed 85 dB(A) at the source premises property line.
(E) Decibel level limits.
Table 1 (A-weighted measurements in decibels (dB)) Source Premises Zoning Daytime Nighttime Residential Zoned Districts 55 50
Office District; Neighborhood Commercial District; Retail Commercial District; Business Park District; Special Use District; and Overlay and Special Purpose Zoning Districts 65 60 Wholesale and Warehousing Commercial District; Central Business District; Mixed Use Activity Center District; and Industrial and Business Park District
75 70 Table 2 (C-weighted measurements in decibels (dB)) Source Premises Zoning Daytime Nighttime Residential Zoned Districts 60 55 Table 2 (C-weighted measurements in decibels (dB)) Source Premises Zoning Daytime Nighttime
Office District; Neighborhood Commercial District; Retail Commercial District; Business Park District; Special Use District; and Overlay and Special Purpose Zoning Districts 70 65
Full Breakdown
Section 131.06(D), part of the city's unreasonable-noise chapter, prohibits operating outdoor power equipment used for gardening or property repair, sweepers, power mowers, leaf/snow blowers, rototillers, and power saws are named examples, between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. within Rio Rancho, Sandoval County. Whenever such equipment does run, its sound cannot exceed 85 dB(A) measured at the source premises property line, regardless of the hour.
Violations & Fines
Running covered power equipment after 8 p.m. or before 7 a.m., or above 85 dB(A), violates § 131.06(D); the city's general penalty (§ 10.99) fines up to $500 and/or 90 days jail, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a leaf blower before 7 a.m. in Rio Rancho?
Is there a noise cap even during allowed daytime hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rio Rancho
How Rio Rancho compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Rio Rancho to another location·View the New Mexico noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.