Bernalillo County, NM Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies in
- North Albuquerque Acres & Sandia Heights
- Curfew
- Off 11 p.m. to sunrise
- Pole height limit
- 16 feet above grade
- Spillover limit
- 0.25 footcandle at 10 feet
- Penalty
- Up to $300/day, 90 days jail
Summary
Unincorporated North Albuquerque Acres, Sandia Heights, and the East Mountain Area must use shielded, cutoff outdoor light fixtures on timers, capped at 16 feet, dark from 11 p.m. to sunrise. The rest of unincorporated Bernalillo County has no such rule.
All outdoor light fixtures and illuminated on-premises signs shall be (1) designed and operated as cutoff or shielded aimable fixtures, (2) equipped with and controlled by light and motion sensors or automatic timing devices, and (3) shall remain off between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise except for illuminating walkways or driveways. Outdoor light poles and standards shall not exceed 16 feet in height above existing grade.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
Bernalillo County's light pollution ordinance is area-specific, not countywide. Division 2 covers North Albuquerque Acres and Sandia Heights (Sec. 30-181 et seq.); Division 3 covers the East Mountain Area (Sec. 30-201 et seq.). Inside those unincorporated pockets, outdoor light fixtures and illuminated signs must be cutoff or shielded-aimable, equipped with motion sensors or automatic timers, and switched off from 11 p.m. to sunrise except for walkway or driveway lighting. Poles are capped at 16 feet above grade, and spillover onto neighboring land is limited to a quarter footcandle measured 10 feet beyond the property line. The rest of unincorporated Bernalillo County, and the City of Albuquerque under its own Integrated Development Ordinance, aren't covered by this division.
Violations & Fines
Violating either ordinance is a misdemeanor: up to $300 per day of violation and up to 90 days in the county jail, with each day counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to my property in Albuquerque?
Can I keep security lights on all night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
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