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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Los Ranchos does not have a separate construction hours ordinance. Construction noise is governed by general village nuisance provisions and state law (NMSA ...
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque enforces noise control under village ordinances and NMSA §30-20-1 (disturbing the peace). Unreasonable noise that disturbs the pea...
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Animal control in Los Ranchos is provided by Bernalillo County Animal Care Services. Persistent barking that constitutes a nuisance is addressed under county...
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Los Ranchos commercial vehicle parking is regulated through zoning. Commercial activity is primarily allowed in A-C (Agricultural-Commercial) and V-C (Villag...
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Los Ranchos driveway rules are governed by village zoning code. The rural/agricultural character of the village means less restrictive driveway parking than ...
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM
Los Ranchos parking regulated under village zoning code §9.2.18 (Off-street Parking Regulations). Many village roads are narrow and rural without curbing. NM...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bernalillo County.
See how Los Ranchos de Albuquerque's light trespass rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.