Rio Rancho, NM Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirement
- Hooded, shielded, aimed downward
- Adopted
- Ordinance 14-16
- Ties to
- NM Night Sky Protection Act
- Stricter rule applies
- Where city/state conflict
Summary
Every outdoor fixture installed in Rio Rancho since 2014 must be hooded, shielded, and aimed downward under the city's dark-sky ordinance, adopted alongside the state Night Sky Protection Act.
Outdoor lighting must be hooded, shielded and aimed downward. Examples of acceptable and unacceptable light shielding and hooding are shown in Tables 1 through 6 attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter.[1] [1] Code reviser’s note: Tables referenced in this chapter are on file in the City Clerk’s office and are available for review upon request.
(B) The hood and/or shield must mask the direct horizontal surface of the light source. The light must be aimed to ensure the illumination is only pointing downward onto the ground surface, with no upward escaping light permitted to contribute to light pollution;
(C) Existing fixtures may be adapted to comply with this section by adding a properly designed hood or shield, or by pointing any upwardmounted, shielded fixture downward toward the ground surface;
(D) Any light falling onto adjacent property or streets that results in nuisance glare or disabling glare shall not be permitted. Light trespass beyond property boundaries or above the horizontal plane shall be considered noncompliant;
(E) Any outdoor lighting fixtures shall be designed, installed, located and maintained, or shielded, such that the glare onto other properties or streets shall be eliminated and all direct illumination kept within the boundaries of the fixture owner’s property;
(F)
Full Breakdown
Chapter 159 of the city code requires outdoor lighting to be hooded, shielded and aimed downward, with the city's illustrated tables showing acceptable versus unacceptable shielding on file at the City Clerk's office. The chapter adopts the definitions and exemptions of the state Night Sky Protection Act, applying the stricter of the two standards where they conflict. Existing fixtures can be brought into compliance by adding a hood or shield, or by re-aiming an upward-mounted fixture toward the ground.
Violations & Fines
A written notice from Development Services or Code Enforcement sets a compliance deadline; failure to fix the fixture results in a Municipal Court citation and penalty set by the judge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do old light fixtures need to be replaced immediately?
Does Rio Rancho follow the state dark-sky law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rio Rancho
Compare Rio Rancho to another location·View the New Mexico outdoor lighting overview
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