Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Noise Ordinances

Noise Ordinances in Lakewood, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Lakewood or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Lakewood has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Barking Dogs

Lakewood's noise ordinance covers animal noise as part of general noise prohibitions. Chapter 5 (Animal Control) also governs pet owner responsibilities including waste removal and proper containment. Persistent animal noise constitutes a nuisance violation.

Key details: Code Sections: Ch. BH16 & Ch. 5. Standard: Excessive/persistent noise. Monthly Inspections: By Animal Control Officer. Waste Removal: Immediate cleanup required.

General noise penalties apply. Animal control violations are enforced by the Animal Control Officer and Police.

Construction Hours

Lakewood exempts necessary construction or demolition noise during daytime hours between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM from noise prohibitions. Emergency repairs are also exempt at all hours.

Key details: Allowed Hours: 7 AM – 8 PM. Emergency Repairs: Exempt at all hours. Code Section: Chapter BH16. Enforcement: Police & Code Enforcement.

Construction noise outside the 7 AM – 8 PM window is subject to general noise violation penalties.

Quiet Hours

Lakewood Chapter BH16 (Noise Regulations) prohibits excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud noise detrimental to public health and comfort. Special permits limit sound to 60 dBA. Holiday exemptions extend permitted noise hours to 7 AM – 2 AM the following day.

Key details: Code Section: Chapter BH16. Event Sound Limit: 60 dBA maximum. Holiday Hours: 7 AM – 2 AM (relaxed). State Noise Code: 65 dBA day / 50 dBA night.

Enforced by Police, Special Officers, and Code Enforcement. General municipal penalties apply under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood'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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Lakewood's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.