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

If you live in Paramus or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Paramus has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Quiet Hours

Paramus prohibits loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noises between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. under Chapter 309 of the Borough Code, with separate offenses charged each day a violation continues.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.. Code Chapter: Chapter 309 Noise. Adopted: Ordinance No. 608, 1969. Each Day: Separate offense charged.

Yelling, shouting, hosting loud parties, operating loud machinery, or producing other disturbing sounds during nighttime quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Amplified Music & Events

In Paramus, radios, televisions, instruments, and similar devices may not be plainly audible 50 feet away, and commercial loudspeakers may not be audible 250 feet away under Chapter 309.

Key details: Personal Audio: 50 feet audibility limit. Commercial Loudspeaker: 250 feet audibility limit. Code Chapter: Chapter 309 Noise. Standard: Plainly audible test.

Playing music, televisions, or instruments audible 50 feet beyond your property, or operating commercial loudspeakers audible 250 feet from the source.

Barking Dogs

Paramus Chapter 309 prohibits keeping any bird, dog, or other animal whose frequent, habitual, or long-continued noise disturbs the peace, comfort, or repose of neighbors or passersby on Borough streets.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 309 Noise. Standard: Frequent or long-continued noise. Applies To: Birds, dogs, other animals. Each Day: Separate offense.

Allowing a dog to bark continuously for extended periods, harboring birds or other animals that habitually create disturbing noise affecting neighbors or pedestrians.

Construction Hours

Paramus restricts contractor work in residential zones to between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., while homeowners may perform yard or home improvement work until dusk under Chapter 309.

Key details: Contractor Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.. Homeowner Hours: 7:00 a.m. to dusk. Applies To: Residential zones. Code Section: Chapter 309 Noise.

Contractors operating power tools, hammering, or running heavy equipment in residential zones outside the 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. window, including early morning or evening hours.

The Bottom Line

Paramus'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 Paramus is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Paramus's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.