Wayne, NJ Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Chapter 121 is Wayne Township's noise ordinance. It applies to sound from industrial and commercial facilities, residential properties, multi-use properties, rights-of-way and multi-dwelling unit buildings, among others (§ 121-3(A)). A generator is a source of sound, and § 121-7(A) says no person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the operation of any source of sound in a way that creates a level at or above the Table I, II or III limits at the real property line of a receiving property. The word generator does not appear anywhere in Chapter 121, so the chapter has no separate standby-power standard or running-hours curfew.

Table I sets maximum outdoor A-weighted levels at a residential receiving property of 65 dB from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dB from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Table II sets indoor limits of 55 dB and 40 dB for the same two periods, and it applies only when the source and the receptor are separated by a real property line and also share a common or abutting wall, floor or ceiling, or are on the same parcel. Table III adds octave band sound pressure limits. Section 121-7(B) caps impulsive sound at 80 decibels between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when it occurs less than four times in any hour. Impulsive sound that repeats four or more times in an hour is measured as continuous sound against Tables I and II.

Exemptions come from § 121-4: apart from §§ 121-9 and 121-10, the chapter does not apply to the exceptions listed at N.J.A.C. 7:29-1.5, and sound production devices required or sanctioned under the Americans with Disabilities Act, FEMA or other government agencies are exempt to the extent they meet the enabling rule. Read that state list for emergency or standby equipment before relying on it.

Placement is a separate zoning matter. Section 134-62.1(J) says that on single-family residential lots, pool filters, HVAC units and generators shall not be placed in a front yard. On corner lots the unit can sit in a front yard if it is placed along the side wall of the principal structure.