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Albuquerque, NM Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Daytime residential limit
55 dB(A)
Nighttime residential limit
50 dB(A)
Nighttime hours
10 p.m.-7 a.m.
First-offense fine
$250 civil fine
Commercial AC/compressor placement
not on side facing housing

Summary

Air conditioners, heat pumps and other fixed mechanical equipment must stay under Albuquerque's residential sound limits: 55 dB(A) daytime, 50 dB(A) at night.

Except for emergency work as defined in this article, no person shall operate or allow the operation of any stationary machinery, equipment, fan, air-conditioning apparatus, or similar permanently installed mechanical device in any manner so as to create noise which results in exceedance of the sound level limits specified in § 9-9-4.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).

Full Breakdown

Albuquerque treats a running air conditioner, compressor, or evaporative cooler as a stationary noise source under § 9-9-7(A): it can't push sound past the Table 1 limits in § 9-9-4 measured at the neighboring property. For a residential receptor that's 55 dB(A) daytime (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and 50 dB(A) nighttime (10 p.m.-7 a.m.), persistently or continuously (each of ten one-minute intervals in a 10-minute span). On commercial property, § 9-9-7(C) additionally bars installing compressors, coolers, or exhaust fans on any side of the building that faces or is separated only by an alley from noise-sensitive property, unless the unit is on the roof and still meets § 9-9-4 limits.

Violations & Fines

Civil fine of $250 for a first offense, $500 for the second, $1,000 for the third and later offenses within 36 months; each day is a separate violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my neighbor's AC unit violate Albuquerque's noise rules?
Yes, if it persistently exceeds 55 dB(A) daytime or 50 dB(A) nighttime measured at your property under § 9-9-7(A) and § 9-9-4's Table 1 limits.
Where can a business install a rooftop AC compressor?
Anywhere except a wall facing noise-sensitive property, unless it's on the roof and still meets the § 9-9-4 sound-level limits, per § 9-9-7(C).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Albuquerque

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All Albuquerque rules

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