Lighting Regulations in Anthony, New Mexico: A Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Anthony, New Mexico, represents a unique blend of cultural influences typical of New Mexico's border regions. Named after a chapel dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua and officially becoming a municipality in 2010, this relatively young city spans approximately four square miles between Interstate 10 and State Highway 478.

While Anthony may not have extensive historical districts like some older municipalities, its lighting regulations reflect a community that values both practical safety considerations and aesthetic quality. These regulations help maintain Anthony's community character while addressing modern infrastructure needs.

Quick Reference Guide to Anthony's Lighting Requirements

• Exterior lighting is required for all parking areas, walkways, and building entrances/exits • Height restrictions: Light standards limited to 10 feet (or 30 feet with proper cutoffs) • Light direction: No building-mounted lights with rays perpendicular to building faces • Light containment: All direct rays must be confined to the property • Buffering: Required between non-residential and residential/agricultural properties • Prohibited sign lighting: No changing, flashing, or motion lighting effects

Detailed Exterior Lighting Requirements

Required Lighting Areas

Anthony's regulations specifically require exterior lighting in several key areas to ensure safety and accessibility:

• Employee and visitor parking areas • Walkways • Building entrances and exits • Property ingress and egress points

This requirement ensures adequate visibility for pedestrians and drivers navigating these spaces during evening hours.

Height and Direction Restrictions

The city places clear limitations on lighting fixtures to prevent light pollution and neighborhood disruption:

• Standard height limit: 10 feet maximum • Extended height allowance: Up to 30 feet permitted only when fixtures have light cutoffs of 90 degrees or less • Building-mounted fixtures: Cannot have light rays perpendicular to the building face • Light containment: All direct rays must be confined to the site

These requirements help balance the need for adequate illumination with concerns about light trespass into neighboring properties.

Buffering Requirements Between Different Land Uses

Anthony's code recognizes that lighting from commercial areas can impact residential neighborhoods. To address this concern, buffer landscaping is required in specific situations:

When Buffer Landscaping Is Required

• Where newly developed non-residential properties abut residential or agricultural land • Where medium or high-intensity residential uses are developed next to low-intensity residential or agricultural land

Zoning Districts Requiring Landscaping and Buffer Landscaping

Anthony requires landscaping and buffer landscaping in numerous zoning districts, including:

• Performance residential zones (PR-2, PR-3) • Community residential zones (CR-2, CR-3) • Village residential multi-family (VR-2) • Performance non-residential zones (PC-1, PC-2, PC-3) • Community Commercial and Industrial zones • Village Commercial zones • Planned unit development overlay zones

This buffer landscaping helps minimize lighting impacts across different property types and preserve neighborhood character.

Sign Lighting Regulations

Prohibited Lighting Effects for Signs

Anthony's code is particularly strict about dynamic lighting on signs. The following are explicitly prohibited:

• Blinking, flashing, chasing and strobe lights • Exposed neon lighting • Alternating color lights and signs • Rotating beacons and skylights • Any signs with changing light, color or motion effects

Sign Permitting

• When signs are electrically illuminated, a separate electrical permit must be obtained

These restrictions prevent visual distractions that could affect traffic safety or neighborhood character.

Site Planning Requirements

When submitting development plans in Anthony, lighting considerations must be included:

• Location, dimensions, and intensity (in lumens) of all proposed exterior lighting • Documentation showing that light will not project glare onto adjacent property • For uses potentially impacting residential development within 300 feet, additional reporting on glare may be required • Certification that lighting conduits (if provided) meet requirements

Proper site planning ensures that lighting installations comply with all applicable regulations before construction begins.

What Property Owners Should Know

Key Compliance Points

Property owners in Anthony should pay particular attention to several aspects of the lighting regulations:

• Light containment is paramount - All lighting must be designed to keep light rays on your property • Height matters - Standard fixtures are limited to 10 feet unless special cutoffs are used • Buffer landscaping is required between different land uses to minimize lighting impacts • Sign lighting is restricted - No flashing, moving, or changing light effects are permitted

Planning for Compliance

When developing or renovating a property in Anthony:

1. Include detailed lighting plans in your site plan submission
2. Consider how lighting will impact neighboring properties
3. Incorporate buffer landscaping where required by zoning
4. Ensure all lighting fixtures meet height and cutoff requirements
5. Obtain separate electrical permits for illuminated signs

Supporting Anthony's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique needs of communities like Anthony that balance practical safety considerations with maintaining local character. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the importance of appropriate lighting solutions that respect community standards.

Our expertise in exterior lighting can help property owners navigate regulations while enhancing their properties. We understand that Anthony, though a relatively young municipality, values community standards that promote safety while minimizing light pollution and neighborhood disruption.

Bock Lighting shares Anthony's commitment to responsible lighting practices. Our team can serve as a resource for understanding lighting regulations and finding solutions that respect both the letter and spirit of local ordinances.

Conclusion

Anthony's lighting regulations, while not extensive, provide clear guidance for property owners regarding exterior lighting requirements. By focusing on containing light within property boundaries, limiting fixture heights, requiring buffer landscaping between different land uses, and prohibiting distracting sign lighting, these regulations help maintain the character of this young New Mexico community.

Understanding and following these regulations ensures that development enhances rather than detracts from Anthony's unique character. As the city continues to grow since its 2010 incorporation, these lighting standards will help guide thoughtful development that respects both safety needs and community aesthetics.

For specific questions about lighting regulations in Anthony, property owners should consult with the city's planning department or review the complete municipal code, particularly § 150.179 which contains the core lighting requirements.