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

The hood and/or shield must mask the direct horizontal surface of the light source. The light must be aimed to ensure the illumination is only pointing downward onto the ground surface, with no upward escaping light permitted to contribute to light pollution;

(C) Existing fixtures may be adapted to comply with this section by adding a properly designed hood or shield, or by pointing any upwardmounted, shielded fixture downward toward the ground surface;

(D) Any light falling onto adjacent property or streets that results in nuisance glare or disabling glare shall not be permitted. Light trespass beyond property boundaries or above the horizontal plane shall be considered noncompliant;

(E) Any outdoor lighting fixtures shall be designed, installed, located and maintained, or shielded, such that the glare onto other properties or streets shall be eliminated and all direct illumination kept within the boundaries of the fixture owner’s property;

(F) Accent or landscape lighting shall be directed onto foliage or objects and not toward the sky or onto adjacent properties. Direct light emissions shall not be visible above the roofline or beyond the building edge;

(G) Upward directed accent lighting may be administratively approved for specific sites of historic, cultural or artistic merit;

(H) Spotlighting on landscaping, foliage, and flagpoles shall be limited to 450 lumens output. The lamp shall be shielded and not create disabling or nuisance glare;

(I)