Noise Rules: Bergenfield vs Garfield
How do noise rules rules compare between Bergenfield, NJ and Garfield, NJ?
Garfield has fewer restrictions than Bergenfield.
Bergenfield, NJ
Bergen County
Because Bergenfield bans short-term rentals of 30 days or less under Chapter 239, Article III (Ordinance 18-2533), there are no STR-specific noise standards or quiet hours. If a rental is being operated unlawfully, any noise complaint is enforced under Bergenfield Code Chapter 215 (Noise), originally adopted March 13, 2001 by Ordinance 2275, which prohibits excessive or unusually loud noise and noise disturbances within the Borough, and the underlying use itself remains unlawful regardless of how quiet the occupants are.
View full Bergenfield rules →Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Garfield does not have a short-term rental-specific noise ordinance. STR guests must comply with Garfield's general municipal noise rules and the New Jersey DEP Noise Control regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:29). Local NJ municipal noise ordinances must be approved by NJ DEP under the NJ Noise Control Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1G-1 et seq.). Operators of any rental licensed under Garfield Code Chapter 131 are required to designate a custodian or caretaker responsible for ensuring guest compliance with all applicable Garfield ordinances, which includes the noise ordinance. Repeated noise complaints can support license revocation under Chapter 131 and ordinance penalties under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5.
View full Garfield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bergenfield | Garfield |
|---|---|---|
| STR-Specific Quiet Hours | None - STRs are banned outright | - |
| General Noise Code | Bergenfield Code Ch. 215 (Ord. 2275, 3/13/2001) | - |
| Standard Prohibited | Excessive, unusually loud, or disturbing noise | - |
| State Framework | NJ Noise Control Act, N.J.S.A. 13:1G-1; N.J.A.C. 7:29 | NJ Noise Control Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1G-1) |
| Underlying Use | Operating a <=30-day rental for consideration is itself a Ch. 239 violation | - |
| Enforcement | Code Enforcement Officer; Bergenfield Police | - |
| STR-Specific Noise Rule | - | None — general ordinance applies |
| Technical Standard | - | N.J.A.C. 7:29 (NJ DEP) |
| DEP Approval Required | - | Yes — for any local noise ordinance |
| Operator Liability | - | Custodian/caretaker required (Chapter 131) |
| Maximum Fine | - | Up to $2,000 per offense (N.J.S.A. 40:49-5) |
| Per-Day Offenses | - | Each day a separate violation |
| License Risk | - | Chapter 131 permit revocation possible |
| Reporting | - | Garfield Police non-emergency / 911 active |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bergenfield FAQ
Are there special quiet hours for Airbnb guests in Bergenfield?
No. Bergenfield does not regulate STR noise separately because Chapter 239, Article III prohibits short-term rentals of 30 days or less for consideration. Any noise complaint is enforced under the general Chapter 215 noise code that applies to all residents and visitors.
What happens if neighbors complain about noise at a short-term rental?
Police or the Code Enforcement Officer can cite the operator twice: once under Chapter 215 for the noise disturbance, and once under Chapter 239, Article III for operating an unlawful short-term rental in the first place. Each can carry separate fines.
Can I avoid the STR ban by promising guests will be quiet?
No. The ban turns on the use of the property for accommodation or lodging for 30 days or less for consideration, not on whether the occupants are noisy. Even a perfectly quiet paid stay under 30 days violates Chapter 239, Article III.
Garfield FAQ
Are there special quiet hours for Airbnb guests in Garfield?
No — Garfield does not have a short-term rental-specific quiet-hour rule. STR guests are subject to the same general municipal noise ordinance that applies to every Garfield resident, which is built on the New Jersey Noise Control Act framework (N.J.S.A. 13:1G-1) and N.J.A.C. 7:29 decibel standards. Hosts should review the current quiet-hour times in Garfield's local code on eCode360 before drafting house rules.
Am I responsible for my guest's noise?
Yes. Garfield Code Chapter 131 (Dwelling and Rooming Units) requires every licensed sleeping accommodation to be in charge of a custodian or caretaker responsible for compliance with all Garfield ordinances. That means the licensed operator — not just the guest — can be cited and have the Chapter 131 license revoked for substantiated noise violations originating at the rental.
How are noise complaints reported?
Active disturbances are reported through the Garfield Police Department non-emergency line (or 911 for in-progress emergencies). Persistent or measured-decibel violations under N.J.A.C. 7:29 can be investigated by the Garfield Health Officer or the Bergen County Department of Health Services, which has certified NJ DEP noise-control officers.
Compare other topics
See how Bergenfield and Garfield compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool