Councilors limit who can file light complaint

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The Rio Rancho Governing Body have approved a new outdoor lighting ordinance, after limiting the ability to file a complaint to people who live within 300 feet of a problem property.

Governing body members voted unanimously Wednesday to pass the second and final reading of the ordinance, although votes on several proposed amendments were divided.

The rules require new outdoor light fixtures to be shaded, with a few exceptions, so the light doesnt escape the property to bother neighbors or passers-by, or lessen views of the night sky. Existing fixtures are grandfathered in unless they have to be replaced, and people can use any power of bulb they want as long as the light doesnt go onto neighboring property.

The new ordinance will take effect in 90 days, instead of the usual 10, to give businesses time to handle lighting inventory that will be in less demand. Stores can still sell any type of bulb or fixture they could before; the limits only apply to the use of those items within Rio Rancho city limits.

Rio Rancho resident David Baldwin said he was on the task force that developed recommendations for the ordinance.

We worked very, very hard to minimize the impact of this ordinance on individuals, he said. My hope is that people will comply with this thing voluntarily.

Baldwin said he knew the rules affected the free market, but he believed they were necessary for the quality of life and to have no regulation was anarchy.

On the other side of the issue, resident Kerry Adams said the ordinance would ban more than 100 light fixtures in Rio Rancho in favor of 14, lessening gross receipts tax income. Artificially increasing the demand for shielded light fixtures and certain bulbs would raise prices, and small businesses must clear their inventory or eat the cost of products in less demand, she continued.

You dont get to violate liberty for the sake of property, Adams said, adding that people should be allowed to figure out how to comply on their own.

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Councilors limit who can file light complaint