Noise from Specific Sources in Manchester, NH (2026)
5 verified noise from specific sources rules for Manchester, New Hampshire, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Manchester gives air conditioners, heat pumps, and other fixed mechanical equipment no special exemption: they're held to the city's baseline property-line noise limits, capped at 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime for residential sources heard at a residential receptor.
Manchester HVAC Equipment Noise Cap
Some RestrictionsManchester, NH Code of Ordinances § 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... The following table identifies allowable noise levels within various areas throughout the city... Residential [Source, Residential Receptor] 55 [7am-10pm] 50 [10pm-7am]
Bar & Nightclub Noise
Manchester bars and nightclubs can't run music or sound systems that stay plainly audible 50 feet past the property line between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.: that alone is treated as proof of a violation.
Manchester Bar & Nightclub Noise Rules
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, ...
Car Alarm Limits
Manchester exempts vehicle alarms from its burglar-alarm permit system unless the vehicle sits permanently at one site, but any noise a triggered car alarm makes must still stay within the city's 80-decibel motor vehicle noise cap.
Manchester Car Alarm Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsManchester Code of Ordinances § 93.02 (see also § 94.12, Table B)
ALARM SYSTEM. A device or system that emits, transmits, or relays a signal intended to summon, or that would reasonably be expected to summon police services of the city, including but not limited to local alarms. ALARM SYSTEM does not include: (1) An alarm installed on a vehicle unless the vehicle is permanently located at a site.
Generator Noise
Manchester exempts emergency power generators at hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes from standard noise limits, but caps routine testing noise at 88 dBA and restricts testing to set hours and durations.
Manchester Caps Emergency Generator Test Noise
Some RestrictionsManchester City Code § 94.11(L)
Any power generator providing emergency electrical power at any hospital, health clinic, nursing home or similar facility where the loss of electrical power creates an immediate risk to the health, safety or welfare of any person, or at any premises where such equipment is required by the Fire Department. Additionally, the noise emitted during the routine testing of emergency electrical power g...
Delivery Truck Noise
Manchester caps motor vehicle noise, including delivery trucks, at 80 dBA measured 25 feet away, enforced at any time under the noise ordinance's Table B standard.
Manchester Delivery Truck Noise Limit
Some RestrictionsManchester Code of Ordinances § 94.12 (Table B); § 94.42(H)
All noise levels from motor vehicles shall be measured at 25 feet from the source vehicle to determine compliance. Except where preempted by state law the standards in Table B shall apply to all noise emitted from motor vehicles including any and all equipment thereon, under any condition of acceleration, deceleration, idle, grade or load and whether or not in motion. ... Table B: Motor vehicle...