How Toms River Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide

Toms River maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Toms River falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Construction Hours

Toms River Chapter 368 restricts commercial construction, repair, alteration, and demolition noise in residential and commercial zones during nighttime hours. Street excavation work under Chapter 450 is restricted from 10 PM to 7 AM without written permission from the Township Engineer.

Key details: Code Sections: Ch. 368 & Ch. 450. Street Excavation Quiet: 10 PM – 7 AM. Audibility Standard: 100 feet from source. Exemptions: Township employees, emergencies.

Violations of the nuisance ordinance are subject to fines under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5. Nuisance property designation triggers $300 per-call user fees.

Quiet Hours

Toms River Chapter 368 (Nuisances) prohibits loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others. Acts are declared a nuisance when noise is clearly audible from 100 feet or more from the source. Landscaping power equipment is restricted between 8 PM and 8 AM.

Key details: Code Section: Chapter 368 (Nuisances). Audibility Standard: 100 feet from source. Landscaping Quiet Hours: 8 PM – 8 AM. Loading/Unloading: Prohibited 6 PM – 6 AM. State Noise Code: 65 dBA day / 50 dBA night.

Properties declared a nuisance are subject to a $300 per-call user fee during the probationary nuisance status period. General ordinance violations carry fines under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5. Report violations at 732-341-1000, ext. 8440 or via the resident complaint portal.

Barking Dogs

Toms River prohibits any dog or animal that habitually barks, howls, cries, or makes other noise over a prolonged period, day or night. Nuisance animals may face enhanced enforcement including mandatory muzzling and leash requirements ordered by the Municipal Court.

Key details: Code Sections: Ch. 176 & Ch. 368. Standard: Habitual barking, day or night. Dangerous Dog License: $700/year. Enforcement: Animal Control / Municipal Court.

General ordinance penalties apply per N.J.S.A. 40:49-5. Potentially dangerous dog license: $700/year. Dogs declared a public nuisance may be ordered muzzled and leashed. Repeated complaints may lead to enhanced enforcement.

The Bottom Line

Toms River'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 Toms River is broadly strict or permissive.

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