Noise Rules: Garfield vs Paramus
How do noise rules rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Paramus, NJ?
Garfield has fewer restrictions than Paramus.
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 →Paramus, NJ
Bergen County
Because short-term rentals are banned in Paramus under Chapter 322 Article II of the Borough Code, there are no STR-specific noise rules. Any guests who are nonetheless present at an unlawful STR must comply with the borough's general noise ordinance, Chapter 309 of the Paramus Code, which prohibits loud or disturbing noise between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and uses a 50-foot plainly-audible standard for amplified sound. Recurring noise complaints can also be cited as evidence of an unlawful STR use under Chapter 322.
View full Paramus rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garfield | Paramus |
|---|---|---|
| STR-Specific Noise Rule | None — general ordinance applies | - |
| State Framework | NJ Noise Control Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1G-1) | - |
| 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 | Paramus Police non-emergency line |
| STR Status | - | Prohibited (Ch. 322, Art. II) |
| Quiet Hours | - | 11 PM - 7 AM |
| Noise Code | - | Paramus Code Ch. 309 |
| Amplified-Sound Standard | - | Plainly audible at 50 feet |
| Contractor Hours | - | 7 AM - 7 PM (residential) |
| Max STR Fine | - | $1,250 per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Paramus FAQ
What are the quiet hours for an Airbnb guest in Paramus?
Paramus does not authorize Airbnbs at all - any rental of 30 days or less is banned under Chapter 322 Article II. To the extent guests are present, the borough's general noise ordinance, Chapter 309, applies and sets quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Amplified sound that is plainly audible at 50 feet from the dwelling is treated as prima facie evidence of a violation.
Can a noise complaint cause my Paramus STR to be shut down?
Yes. STR use is already unlawful under Chapter 322 Article II, which declares the activity a public nuisance per se. Recurring noise complaints under Chapter 309 traced to a 30-day-or-less rental give the Building Code Official, Health Department, or Police Department evidence to enforce both the noise violation and the underlying STR prohibition, with a maximum civil fine of $1,250 per Chapter 322 violation.
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