Noise Rules: Garfield vs Ridgewood
How do noise rules rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Garfield and Ridgewood have similar restriction levels.
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 →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
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.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garfield | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| STR-Specific Quiet Hours | - | None — STRs prohibited |
| 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 |
| Enforcement | - | Ridgewood Police / Municipal Court |
| STR Owner Penalty (per day) | - | Up to $1,000 |
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.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Garfield and Ridgewood 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