Decibel Limits: Manchester vs Nashua

What is the legal decibel limit in Nashua, NH?

Nashua's Chapter 201 (Noise) does not codify a general citywide dBA cap. The principal quantitative triggers are: (1) the 50-foot audibility rule for electronic sound-reproduction devices (radio, TV, stereo, loudspeaker, sound amplifier) - clearly audible at 50 feet from the source is prima facie evidence of violation; (2) the 50-foot audibility rule for motor-vehicle amplification at NCO 201-1; and (3) the Chapter 190 (Land Use Code) HVAC / mechanical-equipment standard of 50 dBA daytime (7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.) / 45 dBA nighttime (8:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.) measured at residential zoning district boundaries. New Hampshire has no statewide environmental noise dB code; RSA 644:2 disorderly conduct supplies a reasonableness backstop.

Can Nashua Police use a decibel meter on my noise complaint?

Chapter 201 does not require sound-meter readings - it is enforced on the reasonableness standard plus enumerated triggers (the 50-foot audibility prima facie rule for electronic devices and vehicles, the 11 p.m. - 7 a.m. public-street vocal bar, the school/hospital/court rule). For HVAC / mechanical-equipment complaints near residential boundaries, the Chapter 190 50 dBA day / 45 dBA night cap does support sound-meter enforcement by the Code Enforcement Department and Zoning Administrator. NH RSA 644:2 disorderly conduct provides a state-law backstop without a meter requirement. Report to Nashua Police non-emergency 603-594-3500.