Noise Ordinances in Valencia County, NM (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Valencia County, New Mexico.
Verified from official government sources
Construction Hours
In unincorporated Valencia County, construction noise is exempt from the Chapter 92 noise nuisance limits only between 7 AM and 10 PM. Outside that window, construction activity loses its exemption and is measured against the county's ordinary residential and commercial decibel caps like any other noise source.
Construction Noise Hours in Valencia County
Some RestrictionsValencia County Code § 92.21(E)(1)
(E) Exceptions. The following types of noise shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: (1) Construction Noise. All necessary and reasonable noise associated with construction between ... the hours of 7 AM and 10 PM;
Barking Dogs
A dog or cat that habitually or continuously barks, howls, or otherwise disturbs the peace of county residents is declared an animal nuisance under Code § 90.066(D). Neighbors file a nuisance complaint in person or by phone with the animal shelter, naming the animal's owner and address, and violations carry the chapter's general misdemeanor penalty.
Valencia County Barking Dog Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsValencia County Code § 90.066(C), (D)
(C) An owner shall not sell, barter, exchange or give away any dog or cat before the age of 6 weeks. Any person who does so shall be fined $25 per animal. The only exception to this is in the case of hand-fed orphans. ... (D) Any animal that habitually or continuously barks, howls or otherwise disturbs the peace of the inhabitants of the county, or are kept or maintained in such a manner or...
Aircraft Noise
Buildings proposed within an Airport Noise Impact Zone near a Valencia County public-use airport must be designed to cut outdoor aircraft noise by at least 25 decibels before the county will approve them. County Code § 154.153(F) applies the standard to child care centers, schools, transient lodging, residences, hospitals, places of worship and outdoor sports facilities built inside the zone.
Aircraft Noise Standards in Valencia County
Some RestrictionsValencia County Code § 154.153(F)(1)
(F) Air Noise Impact Zone. Provisions of this division shall apply to construction, alteration, moving, repair and use of any building or structure for the uses specified below and located within the Airport Noise Impact Zones. The following uses located within an Airport Noise Impact Zone, unless prohibited by any other zoning district regulations, shall comply with the applicable criteria d...
Decibel Limits
Unincorporated Valencia County caps non-vehicular noise at 80 dB(A) in residential and commercial zones between 7 AM and 10 PM, dropping to 70 dB(A) overnight, or 10 dB(A) above the ambient level if that's higher, measured at the property line under Chapter 92's noise nuisance section.
Valencia County Noise Decibel Limits by Zone
Some RestrictionsValencia County Code § 92.21(A), (D)
(A) Prohibited noise. No person shall operate any type of vehicle, machine, or device, or carry on any type of activity, or promote or facilitate the carrying on of any activity that makes intrusive noise in excess of the levels specified in this section. ... (D) Non-vehicular noise. In areas zoned residential and commercial, and between the hours of 7 AM and 10 PM, the maximum permissible leve...
Vehicle Noise
On roads the Board of County Commissioners designates by resolution, unincorporated Valencia County bans sounding an engine retarder, or "jake brake," under Code § 70.27. The rule targets noise from engine brakes slowing trucks, exempts bona fide emergencies, and only applies to a road after a public hearing triggered by petition or a Commission vote; violators face a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail and a $300 fine.
Valencia County Engine Retarder Noise Ban
Some RestrictionsValencia County Code §§ 70.26, 70.27
ENGINE RETARDER. ... A device commonly known as an engine retarding system, engine brake, "jake brake" or exhaust brake, which helps slow a motor vehicle's rate of speed and, when activated, creates noise through the motor vehicle's engine or exhaust system. ... It is unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made any noise disturbance on those certain roads in the county, as des...
All Valencia County ordinances
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