Noise Ordinances in Manchester, NH (2026)
8 verified noise ordinances for Manchester, New Hampshire, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Manchester's noise ordinance sets stricter nighttime sound limits from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. citywide, and separately bars audible commercial sound equipment and street shouting between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. under the city's noise chapter.
Manchester Noise Curfew: 11 PM–7 AM
Some RestrictionsManchester, NH Code of Ordinances § 94.42(K)(2)
The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, machine or device by a commercial establishment between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the lot line, structure or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section. (3) Use, operate, or permit to be played, used, ...
Construction Hours
Manchester bars noisy construction work between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. if it exceeds the city's noise-level table, under City Code Ch. 94.
Manchester Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsManchester, NH City Code § 94.42(F)
Operate any construction equipment or conduct any construction activities between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that exceed the noise limits of § 94.10, Table A. The city may grant variances from the construction restrictions if it can be demonstrated that a construction project will interfere with traffic if completed during daytime hours. (G) Operate any trash compacting mechanism...
Barking Dogs
Manchester prohibits keeping any animal or bird whose frequent or long continued noise disturbs a neighbor's comfort, with citations starting at $100 that escalate for repeat violations.
Manchester Bars Noisy Barking Dogs
Some RestrictionsManchester, NH Code of Ordinances § 94.42(K)(5)
The noise limits in § 94.10, Table A and § 94.12, Table B notwithstanding, no person shall: ... (5) Keeping of any animal or bird which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb the comfort or repose of any person in a neighboring premises.
Leaf Blower Rules
Manchester caps grounds-maintenance equipment like leaf blowers to 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and 80 dBA at the property line under the noise code.
Manchester Leaf Blower Hours
Some RestrictionsManchester Code of Ordinances § 94.11(H); § 94.03
Any domestic power equipment operated upon any residential, commercial, industrial or public premises between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. provided that such equipment does not exceed a sound pressure level of 80 dBA when measured at the property line of the receiving premise. ... DOMESTIC POWER EQUIPMENT. Any equipment or device rated at five horsepower or less and used for building repairs or gro...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Amplifying music or speech above 60 dBA at an outdoor venue in Manchester requires a noise permit from the City Clerk, with a 10 p.m. curfew.
Manchester Outdoor Amplified Music Permit
Significant RestrictionsManchester, NH Code of Ordinances § 111.75(A), (B)(1)-(2)
No person shall conduct an event that involves the amplification of sound or speech above 60 dBA for the purpose of presenting a musical selection, show, performance or concert at an outdoor venue within the limits of the city without obtaining a noise permit issued by the office of the City Clerk. (B) The following general guidelines shall apply to the issuance of a noise permit. These gu...
Aircraft Noise
Manchester's noise ordinance limits do not apply to aircraft or helicopters in flight or to ground-based aircraft engine testing and run-up noise.
Manchester Exempts Aircraft Noise
Few RestrictionsManchester City Code § 94.11(C)-(D)
(C) Any aircraft in flight subject to federal law regarding noise control. (D) Any ground-based aircraft activity including testing or engine run-up noise.
Decibel Limits
Manchester caps noise at the property line by zone: 55-65 dBA daytime and 50-60 dBA at night, with tighter industrial and public limits.
Manchester Noise Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsManchester City Code § 94.10 (Table A)
Noise levels shall be measured at any point along the property line or within the property line of the receiving premises to determine compliance of the source... TABLE A Maximum Allowable Noise Levels (in dBA) with Time of Day Allowance... Residential 55 [day] 50 [night]... Commercial 65 [day] 60 [night]... Industrial 80 [day] 75 [night]... Public 75 [day] 70 [night]
Vehicle Noise
Manchester caps motor vehicle noise at 80 dBA measured 25 feet away and bans altered mufflers that push a vehicle over that limit.
Manchester Motor Vehicle Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsManchester City Code §§ 94.12, 94.42(H)-(J)
All noise levels from motor vehicles shall be measured at 25 feet from the source vehicle to determine compliance... Motor vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds, manufacturers gross vehicle weight, At any time 80 [dBA], 25 feet... Modify or change the exhaust muffler, air intake muffler or any other sound reducing device in such a manner that the noise emitted from the motor vehicle exceeds...