Rio Rancho, NM Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Chapter 159, Rio Rancho's Outdoor Lighting Ordinance, exists to allow reasonable lighting while minimizing light pollution and adverse off-site impacts. Section 159.07 sets the core standard: outdoor lighting must be hooded, shielded and aimed downward, and the hood or shield must mask the direct horizontal surface of the light source so no upward-escaping light contributes to light pollution. Residential yard lights are limited to 8 feet in height from grade, while nonresidential parking-lot and building-mounted fixtures are limited to 24 feet (or 40 feet if at least 75 feet from all property lines). Spotlighting on landscaping, foliage and flagpoles is limited to 450 lumens and must be shielded. Section 159.02 adopts by reference all definitions and exemptions of the New Mexico Night Sky Protection Act unless modified by the chapter, and Section 159.07 states that where the chapter and the Act conflict, the more stringent requirement applies. The Night Sky Protection Act (NMSA 1978, Chapter 74, Article 12) is a statewide law requiring outdoor lighting fixtures to be shielded, with limited exceptions for low-wattage and low-lumen sources. Section 159.05 lists exemptions, including seasonal holiday decorations, motion-sensor security lights that shut off within 30 minutes, covered porch lights up to 790 lumens, and solar lighting. Enforcement is by Development Services and Code Enforcement (Section 159.08).