Rio Rancho, NM Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass (2026)

Rio Rancho directly addresses light spilling onto neighboring property. Section 159.03 of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance defines LIGHT TRESPASS as light emitted by a luminaire that shines beyond the property on which the luminaire is installed. Section 159.07 then makes compliance mandatory: outdoor fixtures must be designed, installed, located and maintained or shielded so that glare onto other properties or streets is eliminated and all direct illumination is kept within the boundaries of the fixture owner's property. Any light falling onto adjacent property or streets that results in nuisance glare or disabling glare is not permitted, and light trespass beyond property boundaries or above the horizontal plane is expressly considered noncompliant. The chapter distinguishes NUISANCE GLARE (an annoyance) from DISABLING GLARE (a hazard to drivers or pedestrians); both are prohibited. Even exempt security lights must not project light onto a neighbor's property (Section 159.05(I)). The City may require correction of an otherwise nonconforming fixture if it determines the fixture is creating nuisance or disabling glare (Section 159.02). These standards reinforce the statewide New Mexico Night Sky Protection Act, which requires shielding to prevent light trespass. Complaints are investigated by Development Services and Code Enforcement, which issue a written notice and a compliance deadline before any Municipal Court citation (Section 159.08).