Noise Ordinances in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
9 verified noise ordinances for Albuquerque, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Albuquerque has no blanket curfew but enforces zoning-based decibel limits. Under Noise Control Ordinance section 9-9-4, residential receptor properties may not be exposed to sound exceeding 55 dB(A) during the daytime (7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) or 50 dB(A) during the nighttime (10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.).
Nighttime Residential Limit: 50 dB(A) After 10 PM
Some RestrictionsAlbuquerque Code of Ordinances sections 9-9-2 and 9-9-4(A) (Noise Control Ordinance; Ord. 21-1975; Am. Ord. 2017-002)
DAYTIME. From 7:00 a.m. (0700 hours) to 10:00 p.m. (2200 hours). NIGHTTIME. From 10:00 p.m. (2200 hours) to 7:00 a.m. (0700 hours). ... (A) Except as otherwise provided in this article, no person shall make or continue, cause to be made or continued, or allow to be made or continued, any sound that persistently or continuously results in an exceedance of the following sound level limits using a...
Construction Hours
Under Noise Control Ordinance section 9-9-4(D), no construction equipment may operate within 500 feet of noise-sensitive property on Sundays, holidays, or between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. without a Temporary Construction Noise Permit. The city summarizes the allowed window as 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Construction Allowed 6 AM-10 PM; Permit Needed Otherwise
Some RestrictionsAlbuquerque Code of Ordinances section 9-9-4(D) (Noise Control Ordinance; Ord. 21-1975; Am. Ord. 2017-002)
(D) Except for work authorized by a governmental body or agency, no person shall, on or within 500 feet of any noise-sensitive property, operate or cause to be operated any equipment used in construction, repair, alteration, excavation, grading or demolition work on buildings, structures, streets, alleys or appurtenances thereto: (1) With sound-control devices less effective than those provided...
Barking Dogs
Noise Control Ordinance section 9-9-4(C) makes it unlawful to allow an animal in your possession to 'persistently or continuously' bark, howl, or make noise that disturbs the peace and quiet of city inhabitants. Public zoos and properly zoned animal shelters are exempt.
Persistent Barking Banned; Zoos and Shelters Exempt
Some RestrictionsAlbuquerque Code of Ordinances section 9-9-4(C) (Noise Control Ordinance; Ord. 21-1975; Am. Ord. 2017-002)
(C) No person shall allow an animal in his possession or control to persistently or continuously bark, howl or make noise common to its species, or otherwise to disturb the peace and quiet of the inhabitants of the city, or otherwise endanger the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the city. This provision shall not apply to public zoos and approved and properly zoned animal shelters as de...
Leaf Blower Rules
Albuquerque regulates leaf blowers under the General Noise Ordinance in ROA 1994 Chapter 9-9, restricting operating hours and decibel output at residential property lines in the Rio Grande Valley.
Albuquerque Leaf Blower Rules
Some RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Amplified music must stay within the section 9-9-4 decibel limits. The Mayor may grant a free Temporary Permit for short-duration amplified sound under section 9-9-5; unless the permit states otherwise, permitted noise must stop by 10:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 12:00 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
Amplified Sound Needs Permit; Permitted Noise Ends 10 PM
Some RestrictionsAlbuquerque Code of Ordinances section 9-9-5 (Temporary Permits for Amplified Sound or Construction Noise; Ord. 30-1981; Am. Ord. 2017-002)
(A) The Mayor may grant a temporary permit which allows non-compliance with the limitations prescribed in this article for the purpose of amplified sound or construction noise activities of short duration. (B) Permits shall be granted upon application, at no cost to applicant, provided an initial evaluation indicates that the permit will not result in a condition injurious to health or safety. ...
Aircraft Noise
Albuquerque's Noise Control Ordinance does not regulate aircraft. Section 9-9-8 expressly exempts sounds or vibrations from any aircraft or from operation of any airport or approved helipad, and a 'total preemption' clause yields to federal, state, and municipal regulation of aviation noise.
Aircraft and Airport Noise Exempt from City Limits
Few RestrictionsAlbuquerque Code of Ordinances section 9-9-8 (Exceptions and Exclusions; Ord. 2017-002)
Aircraft and airports. The limits set forth in this article do not apply to sounds or vibrations generated by any aircraft or generated in connection with the operation of any airport or approved helipad used in support of law enforcement, public utility restoration, emergency medical transport or search and rescue. ... Total preemption. The limits set forth in this article do not apply to soun...
Industrial Noise
Industrial facilities in Albuquerque must comply with ROA 1994 Chapter 9-9 zoning-based decibel limits, with strict enforcement along the I-25 corridor and South Broadway manufacturing districts.
Albuquerque Industrial Noise Rules
Heavy RestrictionsDecibel Limits
ROA 1994 Chapter 9-9 sets tiered decibel limits by zoning district and time of day, with residential areas capped at 55 dB(A) nighttime and 65 dB(A) daytime.
Albuquerque Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor music at Albuquerque restaurants, patios, and events must stay within ROA Chapter 9-9 limits and end amplified play by 10:00 PM in most residential-adjacent zones.
Albuquerque Outdoor Music Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Bernalillo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Albuquerque city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Bernalillo County →