Noise from Specific Sources in Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque maintains 154 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Albuquerque falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Generator Noise

Albuquerque's Integrated Development Ordinance sets no citywide generator curfew; instead it regulates two specific commercial land uses. A Community Garden may only run power equipment or generators between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and a Mobile Food Truck Court cannot use generators at all under the zoning code the Planning Department enforces.

Key details: Community garden generators: banned 10 p.m.-7 a.m.. Food truck court generators: banned outright. Governing chapter: IDO § 14-16-4-3(D). Enforcer: Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO). Civil penalty: $500 per uncured violation.

A violation of either standard is enforced the same way as any other IDO violation: the ZEO issues a written Notice of Violation and gives the owner or operator at least 15 days to cure it under § 14-16-6-9(C)(2)(a). If the use is not brought into compliance, the ZEO may issue a Notice of Administrative Civil Enforcement carrying a $500 civil penalty for each uncured violation, and the City can pursue a stop-work order or revoke the use's permit.

Bar & Nightclub Noise

Albuquerque gives its Downtown Arts and Entertainment Focus Area a higher noise ceiling than the rest of the city: 65 dB(A) by day and 60 dB(A) at night, versus 55/50 for residential receptors.

Key details: Entertainment area limit: 65 dB(A) daytime / 60 dB(A) night. Residential limit for comparison: 55 dB(A) daytime / 50 dB(A) night. Daytime hours: 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.. Enforcement: Mayor's office, civil violation. First-offense fine: $250 civil fine.

Civil violation: $250 first offense, $500 second, $1,000 third and subsequent within 36 months; each day is a separate offense, plus possible injunction.

HVAC & Mechanical Noise

Air conditioners, heat pumps and other fixed mechanical equipment must stay under Albuquerque's residential sound limits: 55 dB(A) daytime, 50 dB(A) at night.

Key details: Daytime residential limit: 55 dB(A). Nighttime residential limit: 50 dB(A). Nighttime hours: 10 p.m.-7 a.m.. First-offense fine: $250 civil fine. Commercial AC/compressor placement: not on side facing housing.

Civil fine of $250 for a first offense, $500 for the second, $1,000 for the third and later offenses within 36 months; each day is a separate violation.

Delivery Truck Noise

Unattended delivery trucks under 22,000 lbs can't be left running during pickup or drop-off, on public or private property, city-wide.

Key details: Covered vehicles: GVW under 22,000 lbs. When it applies: Unattended during pickup/delivery. Where: Public right-of-way or private property. Code section: ROA § 8-5-1-41.

Civil citation for leaving a covered delivery vehicle running and unattended during pickup or delivery; municipal refuse trucks are separately exempt from noise limits during daytime collection.

Low-Frequency Bass Limits

Albuquerque regulates thumping bass and other low-frequency noise separately from ordinary sound, using a C-weighted decibel scale that is more sensitive to bass than the standard A-weighted meter. Residential daytime bass is capped at 60 dB(C) and drops to 55 dB(C) at night.

Key details: Governing law: Albuquerque Noise Control Ordinance. Bass scale section: ROA § 9-9-4(B), Table 2. Residential daytime cap: 60 dB(C). Residential nighttime cap: 55 dB(C). Nighttime hours: 10 PM to 7 AM.

A bass-noise exceedance is a public nuisance and separate civil violation under Section 9-9-11: a $250 fine for a first offense in any 36-month period, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or later offense, with each day of continued exceedance a distinct violation. The Mayor sends a Notice of Violation by certified mail to the registered property owner, who has ten days to demand a hearing before the city hearing officer, and the city may also seek a restraining order or injunction to stop ongoing violations.

The Bottom Line

Albuquerque's noise from specific sources 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 Albuquerque is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Albuquerque'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.