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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Noise Rules

Noise Rules: Bergenfield vs Ridgewood

How do noise rules rules compare between Bergenfield, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?

Ridgewood has fewer restrictions than Bergenfield.

Bergenfield, NJ

Bergen County

Heavy Restrictions

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.

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Ridgewood, NJ

Bergen County

Some Restrictions

Because compensated short-term rentals are prohibited in Ridgewood under Code Chapter 117, Article IX, there is no STR-specific noise standard — but every occupant of a Ridgewood dwelling, including any 30+ day tenant, must comply with Code Chapter 201 (Noise). Chapter 201 prohibits any unreasonable and unnecessary loud or disturbing noise, and §201 specifically bars yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on public streets between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Chapter 222 separately restricts power tools and motorized landscaping equipment, including a full ban on commercial power-tool use Sundays and federal holidays.

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Key Facts Comparison

FactBergenfieldRidgewood
STR-Specific Quiet HoursNone - STRs are banned outrightNone — STRs prohibited
General Noise CodeBergenfield Code Ch. 215 (Ord. 2275, 3/13/2001)-
Standard ProhibitedExcessive, unusually loud, or disturbing noise-
State FrameworkNJ Noise Control Act, N.J.S.A. 13:1G-1; N.J.A.C. 7:29-
Underlying UseOperating a <=30-day rental for consideration is itself a Ch. 239 violation-
EnforcementCode Enforcement Officer; Bergenfield PoliceRidgewood Police / Municipal Court
Citywide Quiet Hours (street noise)-11 PM – 7 AM
General Noise Standard-No unreasonable/unnecessary noise
Power Tools (Sun/Holidays)-Prohibited (Ch. 222)
Noise Code-Ridgewood Code Chapter 201
Train Whistles/Horns-Prohibited except emergency
STR Owner Penalty (per day)-Up to $1,000

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.

Ridgewood FAQ

What are the official quiet hours in Ridgewood?

Code Chapter 201 specifically prohibits yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on the public streets between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The general 'no unreasonable and unnecessary loud or disturbing noise' standard applies 24 hours a day. Chapter 222 also bars commercial power-tool use Sundays and federal holidays.

Is there a separate noise rule for short-term rentals?

No. Compensated stays of 30 days or less are prohibited entirely in Ridgewood under Code §117 Art. IX, so there is no STR-specific noise standard. A noise complaint at a suspected illegal STR can result in a Chapter 201 citation against the occupants plus a §117 Art. IX enforcement action against the owner of up to $1,000 per day.

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