Galloway Township's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Galloway Township, New Jersey, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Galloway Township Code Chapter 253 prohibits playing any radio, television, hi-fi, stereo, phonograph or other sound-reproducing device so as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of persons in the vicinity: the rule that covers loud amplified music.
Key details: Covers: Radio, stereo, hi-fi, phonograph. Standard: Disturbs peace/quiet/comfort. State backstop: 65 dBA day / 50 dBA night. Chapter: Code Chapter 253, Noise. Max fine: $2,000 per offense.
Violation of Chapter 253 is punishable by a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days imprisonment and/or up to 90 days community service; each day is a separate offense.
Construction Hours
Under Galloway Township Code Chapter 253, building erection, excavation, demolition, alteration or repair is prohibited except 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, unless an urgent public-health/safety permit is issued.
Key details: Mon–Sat hours: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.. Sunday hours: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.. Emergency permit: Up to 3 days, Code Official. Chapter: Code Chapter 253, Noise. Max fine: $2,000 per offense.
A Chapter 253 conviction carries a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days jail and/or up to 90 days community service; each day of violation is a separate offense.
Leaf Blower Rules
Galloway Township Code Chapter 253 does not name leaf blowers specifically, but restricts internal-combustion lawn mowers and chain saws to 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Monday–Friday and 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Gas leaf blowers fall under the same disturbance rules.
Key details: Mon–Fri lawn hours: 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.. Sat–Sun lawn hours: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.. Leaf blowers: No dedicated section. Covered equipment: Mowers, chain saws (engine). Chapter: Code Chapter 253, Noise.
Operating covered equipment outside the permitted hours violates Chapter 253: fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days jail and/or community service; each day is a separate offense.
Barking Dogs
Galloway Township Code Chapter 253 prohibits keeping any animal or bird that, by frequent or long-continued noise, disturbs the comfort or repose of nearby residents: covering barking dogs, crowing roosters and similar disturbances at any hour.
Key details: Trigger: Frequent or long-continued noise. Applies to: Any animal or bird. Standard: Disturbs comfort/repose of neighbors. Chapter: Code Chapter 253, Noise. Also see: Ch. 353 nuisances; N.J.S.A. 4:19.
A Chapter 253 noise conviction carries a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days jail and/or 90 days community service; each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Vehicle Noise
Galloway Township Code Chapter 253 bans discharging the exhaust of any internal-combustion engine into the open air except through an adequate muffler that effectively prevents loud or excessive noise: covering cars, motorboats, watercraft, chain saws and lawn mowers.
Key details: Requires: Adequate muffler on engines. Covers: Cars, boats, saws, mowers. Prohibits: Loud/excessive exhaust noise. Chapter: Code Chapter 253, Noise. Max fine: $2,000 per offense.
A Chapter 253 conviction carries a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days jail and/or 90 days community service; each day is a separate offense. Vehicle offenses may also draw Title 39 summonses.
The Bottom Line
Galloway Township's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Galloway Township is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Galloway Township's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.