Noise Rules: Mahwah vs Ridgewood
How do noise rules rules compare between Mahwah, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Mahwah has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.
Mahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah does not have a short-term-rental-specific noise ordinance. STR guests must comply with the Township's general noise and disturbance provisions in Chapter 3 (Police Regulations) of the Mahwah Code and the New Jersey Noise Control Code (N.J.A.C. 7:29), which sets continuous-sound limits of 65 dBA daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and 50 dBA nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) at residential property lines.
View full Mahwah 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 | Mahwah | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| 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.
Mahwah FAQ
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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