Clifton, NJ Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Named source
- air conditioners (§327-1 multi-use property)
- Governing standard
- max sound level at real property line (§327-5A)
- Impulsive sound cap
- 80 decibels at all times (§327-5D)
- Enforcer
- certified noise control officer
- Penalty
- up to $2,000 civil fine per offense
Summary
Clifton's noise ordinance names air conditioners among the equipment on a "multi-use property" that can be a source of elevated sound at another use on the same lot, making AC noise subject to the § 327-5 maximum permissible sound level standard measured at the real property line.
MULTI-USE PROPERTY Any distinct parcel of land that is used for more than one category of activity. Examples include, but are not limited to: A commercial, residential, industrial or public service property having boilers, incinerators, elevators, automatic garage doors, air conditioners, laundry rooms, utility provisions or health and recreational facilities or other similar devices or areas, either in the interior or on the exterior of the building, which may be a source of elevated sound levels at another category on the same distinct parcel of land... No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the operation of any source of sound on any source property listed in § 327-2A above in such a manner as to create a sound level that equals or exceeds the sound level limits set forth in Tables I and II when measured at or within the real property line of any of the receiving properties listed in Tables I and II... Impulsive sound shall not equal or exceed 80 decibels at all times.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4963532; v64 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
" That definition folds AC equipment directly into the enforcement scheme in § 327-5A, which bars any source of sound on a listed source property from creating a sound level that equals or exceeds the limits set in Attachment Tables I and II when measured at or within the real property line of the receiving property. Where the AC noise crosses from a commercial unit into a residential unit sharing a common wall, or within a multidwelling building, § 327-5C requires the reading be taken indoors, with exterior doors and windows closed and other in-unit sound sources like a television or stereo shut off, measured in the center of the room most affected.
The exact decibel ceilings that apply to a given source/receiving category pairing sit in Attachment Tables I and II referenced throughout § 327-5 rather than printed in the chapter's text, but one fixed numeric ceiling is stated directly: § 327-5D caps impulsive sound, such as a compressor cycling on, at no more than 80 decibels at all times. C. 7:29-2 procedures per § 327-4B.
Violations & Fines
Violating the § 327-5 sound-level standard, including from air conditioning equipment on a multi-use property, exposes the responsible party to a civil penalty under § 327-7B of up to $2,000 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate, additional offense; the violator is entitled to a Municipal Court hearing to contest the enforcement document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rooftop or window air conditioners covered by Clifton's noise ordinance?
What decibel limit applies to a noisy air conditioner in Clifton?
Who enforces AC noise complaints in Clifton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clifton
Compare Clifton to another location·View the New Jersey noise from specific sources overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
HVAC & Mechanical Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Passaic County handle hvac & mechanical noise.