How Lakewood Handles Noise from Specific Sources: A Practical Guide
Lakewood maintains 110 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with noise from specific sources. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lakewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Delivery Truck Noise
Lakewood Township's noise code specifically outlaws loud and excessive noise from loading or unloading trucks and from opening or breaking down bales, boxes, crates and containers. The prohibition sits in Code Section BH16-5.6, one of a dozen named noise sources the Township Committee declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary regardless of the general decibel limits in Section BH16-3.
Key details: Governing section: Code Section BH16-5.6. Covers: Loading, unloading, crate/box noise. Proof needed: No decibel meter required. Penalty: $10 to $500 per offense. Each day: Separate violation.
A conviction for loud loading or unloading noise carries the Board of Health penalty in Section BH1-2.2: not less than $10 nor more than $500 per offense in Municipal Court. Section BH1-2.3 makes each day a business continues the noisy practice a separate violation, and Section BH16-8 allows a court to enjoin a business whose loading operations repeatedly endanger neighbors' repose.
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Lakewood Township bans loud, penetrating or continuous noise from blowers, fans and pumps, expressly naming air conditioning systems, compressors and pool filter systems in Code Section BH16-5.8. The test is whether the equipment disturbs the comfort or repose of nearby residents, not a fixed decibel number, so a single noisy condenser unit can be cited on its own.
Key details: Governing section: Code Section BH16-5.8. Named equipment: AC systems, compressors, pool filter pumps. Legal test: Loud, penetrating or continuous noise. Standard: Disturbs comfort or repose of neighbors. Penalty: $10 to $500 per offense.
An HVAC, pump or fan system found to create loud, penetrating or continuous noise that disturbs neighbors is punishable under Section BH1-2.2 by a fine of $10 to $500 per offense in Municipal Court, and Section BH1-2.3 treats each day the equipment keeps disturbing residents as a separate offense. Section BH16-8 lets a court order the equipment shut down or abated as a public nuisance if the disturbance continues.
The Bottom Line
Lakewood'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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Lakewood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.