Bernalillo County, NM Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Bernalillo County Code Sec. 30-121
- Residential nighttime limit
- 45 dB(A) at property line
- Residential daytime limit
- 55 dB(A) at property line
- Maintenance exemption
- No permit for emergency or off-hours repairs
- Penalty
- Up to $300 fine, 90 days jail
Summary
Bernalillo County bans operating machinery, fans, compressors or air conditioning that pushes noise at the property line above the zone's decibel limits set in Sec. 30-115.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate, cause to operate or permit to operate any machinery, equipment, device, pump, fan, compressor, air conditioning apparatus or similar mechanical device in any manner so as to create any noise which would cause the noise level at the property line of any property to exceed the general sound level limits listed in section 30-115 of this article. Maintenance work not able to be completed during normal daylight hours and emergency work shall need no permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Bernalillo County, Code Sec. 30-121 makes it unlawful to operate machinery, pumps, fans, compressors, or air conditioning units so their noise crosses the property line above the general sound limits fixed in Sec. 30-115: 45 dB(A) at night and 55 dB(A) by day in residential zones, 60/65 dB(A) in commercial zones, and 70/75 dB(A) in industrial zones. Maintenance that can't be finished in daylight hours and emergency repairs are exempt from any permit. Albuquerque, which surrounds much of the county, enforces its own Integrated Development Ordinance instead -- this section only reaches unincorporated land.
Violations & Fines
Violating Sec. 30-121 is punishable under the Code's general penalty (Sec. 1-6): a fine up to $300, up to 90 days in jail, or both; ongoing noise can also be enjoined as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply if I live in Albuquerque?
How loud can my AC unit be at night?
Is emergency HVAC repair work exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.