Bernalillo County prohibits light trespass under IDO §5-11(D). Maximum 0.1 foot-candle at a residential property line from any off-site light source. Enforcement is complaint-based via County Code Enforcement.
Under the County Integrated Development Ordinance §5-11(D), no artificial light may exceed 0.1 foot-candle measured at the property line of a residential lot, or 1.0 foot-candle at non-residential property lines. This is stricter than most Southwestern jurisdictions and reflects compliance with the NM Night Sky Protection Act. Security lights must be fully shielded and aimed to illuminate only the owner's property. Unshielded 'barn lights' or dusk-to-dawn fixtures pointed sideways violate the code. The Code Enforcement Division investigates complaints using a calibrated light meter at the complainant's property line after dark. Landlords and HOAs cannot override this — state law preempts conflicting CC&Rs where they would cause NM Night Sky Act non-compliance. Commercial properties adjacent to residential have the 0.1 fc boundary apply.
First complaint: warning letter, 30 days to correct. Non-compliance: citation $100–$500 per County Code Chapter 58. Repeat commercial violation: up to $1,000 per day and possible permit action.
Bernalillo County, NM
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