Albuquerque, NM Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Section 14-16-5-8(G), Light Trespass, requires that all outdoor luminaires be located or optically shielded such that the point light source is not visible from adjacent property or public right-of-way. Beyond that visibility rule, § 5-8(G)(2) caps the total illumination reaching a neighboring property, measured both horizontally at ground level and vertically at 5 feet above grade, against the limits in Table 5-8-3. 2 to 8 lux. Residential zone districts generally sit in the lower Light Zone 0 or 1 tiers, so a homeowner whose neighbor installs a bright floodlight has a specific number to point to when the glow crosses the property line.

If a property exceeds its Table 5-8-3 limit at any point along the boundary, § 14-16-5-8(G)(3) requires the lighting be re-aimed, removed, turned off, or dimmed until compliance is reached, regardless of who owns the fixture. Complaints go to the Planning Department's Zoning Enforcement Officer, and an administrative hearing officer handling a civil enforcement case under § 14-16-6-9(C)(5)(f) can order the fix and impose a civil penalty of up to $500 per violation per day the violation continues.