Council approves lighting ordinance

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Rio Rancho has a new lighting ordinance.

The ordinance city councilors approved unanimously on Wednesday requires residential and commercial properties to shield outdoor lighting fixtures so light does not spread beyond the property limits.

Existing light fixtures are allowed to remain until they are inoperable or un-repairable unless the city deems they cause an annoyance or a potential hazard.

There are exemptions, such as traffic control devices, emergency lighting and temporary seasonal decorations.

Rio Rancho resident Cheryl Ganch greeted the ordinances arrival with joy.

To me its been a 15-year process of peoples passion, Ganch said after the City Council meeting. I believe it will have a long-term positive effect in Rio Rancho.

Ganch served on the second of two task forces the first one began work in 1999 to create an ordinance that would reduce night sky light pollution by requiring residential and commercial properties to shield outdoor lighting fixtures so light does not spread beyond their own property.

Ganch said scientific evidence has shown negative health effects from exposure to light 24 hours a day.

Our bodies need to be in the dark part of the time, she said.

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Council approves lighting ordinance