Las Cruces, NM Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- Chapter 39 (Ord. 2781)
- Residential Fixtures
- Fully shielded
- Lighting Zones
- 0 through 4
- Commercial Curfew
- Dim/off by 11 PM
- Fine
- $50–$300 per violation
Summary
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.
For residential properties, all outdoor luminaires shall meet the requirements of fully shielded or fully shielded residential.(b)Exceptions.(1)One partially shielded or unshielded luminaire at the main entry, not exceeding 1,800 luminaire lumens.(2)Any other partially shielded luminaire not exceeding 900 luminaire lumens.(3)Any other unshielded luminaire not exceeding 450 luminaire lumens.(4)Shielded directional luminaires not exceeding 1,800 luminaire lumens; provided such luminaires shall be shielded to prevent glare and light trespass beyond the property boundary, aimed away from adjacent properties, and the center beam of each lamp shall be aimed at least 65 degrees below horizontal.(5)Security lights shall not be required to be fully shielded if they comply with all of the following:a.One or two flood lamps or spot lamps of less than 1,800 lumens each per luminaire.b.The center of the beam of each lamp aimed at least 65 degrees below horizontal and away from adjacent properties when the source is visible from any adjacent property.c.Are controlled by a motion-sensor switch.d.Do not remain on longer than 15 minutes after activation. (Ord. No. 2781, § I(Exh. A), 5-2-16)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Land Development Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 39 of the Las Cruces Municipal Code, the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance (Ord. No. 2781, adopted May 2, 2016), enforces dark-sky standards. All new residential outdoor luminaires must be fully shielded or fully shielded residential, emitting no light above horizontal, with narrow exceptions such as one main-entry fixture up to 1,800 lumens and motion-sensor security lights under 1,800 lumens aimed at least 65 degrees below horizontal and off within 15 minutes. The city is divided into lighting zones 0 through 4 that cap commercial site lumens. Commercial lighting must be reduced at least 30 percent or extinguished by 11 p.m. or 30 minutes after closing. Las Cruces's ordinance goes beyond New Mexico's Night Sky Protection Act.
Violations & Fines
Each violation is a petty misdemeanor punishable by a $50 to $300 fine under Section 39-19, and each 24-hour period is a separate offense. Nonconforming fixtures are treated as nuisances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my outdoor lights have to be shielded in Las Cruces?
What happens if my lighting violates the ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Las Cruces
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