Noise from Specific Sources in Paterson, NJ

If you live in Paterson or are thinking about moving there, noise from specific sources are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Paterson has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise from specific sources, and some of them might surprise you.

Generator Noise

Paterson excuses emergency electricity generators at industrial, commercial or community-service facilities from its noise limits, but only while they're running during an actual power outage.

Key details: Exempt use: During an actual power outage. Covered sites: Industrial, commercial, community service. Not covered: Routine testing or residential runs.

Generator noise outside a genuine outage, or at a property type not listed, is subject to Chapter 337's standard sound-level limits and enforcement penalties under § 337-12.

Paterson is more permissive than most cities when it comes to generator noise. That said, there are still limits.

HVAC & Mechanical Noise

Paterson's noise ordinance names air conditioners and HVAC units as example stationary sound sources and caps them at the same real-property-line decibel limits as any other equipment: 65 dB by day, 50 dB overnight outdoors at a residence.

Key details: Daytime outdoor limit: 65 dB, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.. Nighttime outdoor limit: 50 dB, 10 p.m.–7 a.m.. HVAC named as example source: § 337-3 definitions. Construction equipment: Separately exempt, HVAC is not.

An HVAC or AC unit measured at or above the applicable Table I/II limit at the real property line is a violation, enforced by Noise Control Officers from the Division of Health and Paterson Police under § 337-6 and § 337-12.

Low-Frequency Bass Limits

Paterson's noise code lets an officer cite booming bass from a car or speaker as "plainly audible" just by hearing the rhythmic bass line, without identifying the song or artist.

Key details: Test: Unaided hearing of NCO/NCI. Bass rule: Rhythmic bass alone is enough. No ID needed: Title, lyrics, artist irrelevant. Governing chapter: Ch. 337, Noise.

A plainly-audible finding supports citations under the chapter's restricted-use provisions (§§ 337-10, 337-11); penalties run through Chapter 337's general enforcement scheme (§ 337-12).

Car Alarm Limits

Paterson requires every burglar alarm on a building or vehicle to shut off within 5 minutes of continuous sound or 15 minutes of intermittent sound, backed by fines up to $2,000 per offense.

Key details: Continuous sound limit: 5 minutes. Intermittent sound limit: 15 minutes. Minimum fine: $500 per offense. Maximum fine: $2,000 per offense. Enforced by: Noise Control Officer / police.

A notice of penalty assessment (NOPA) from police or a Noise Control Officer; fines run $500 to $2,000 per offense, and each additional day the alarm keeps violating the limit is a separate offense.

Bar & Nightclub Noise

Paterson bars any commercial facility, a category that covers bars, clubs and restaurants, from letting sound carry past 25 feet at night or 50 feet by day.

Key details: Night limit: Audible past 25 ft, 10pm-8am. Day limit: Audible past 50 ft, 8am-10pm. Covers: Bars, clubs, dining spots. Added: Jan. 17, 2023 amendment.

A commercial facility whose music or crowd noise carries past 25 feet at night, or 50 feet by day, is subject to a notice of penalty assessment and fines of $500 to $2,000 per offense.

The Bottom Line

Paterson'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 Paterson is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Paterson can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.