Albuquerque, NM Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Section 9-9-2 defines C-WEIGHTED SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL as sound measured on an approved meter using the C-weighting network, noting the C network is more sensitive to low frequencies than the A network used for ordinary noise complaints, which is why bass-heavy sources like subwoofers and car stereos are measured on a separate scale. Section 9-9-4(B) sets Table 2, the C-weighted limits, receptor by receptor: a residential source measured at a residential receptor is capped at 60 dB(C) in the daytime and 55 dB(C) at night; a commercial or Downtown Arts and Entertainment source reaching a residential receptor is capped at 60 dB(C) indoors or 65 dB(C) outdoors by day, dropping to 55 dB(C) indoors or 60 dB(C) outdoors at night; and industrial or public-premises sources reaching a residential receptor face the same indoor/outdoor day-night split.

Commercial and industrial receptor premises get higher C-weighted ceilings of 70 dB(C) by day and 65 dB(C) at night, or 80/75 dB(C) for industrial and public premises. Section 9-9-3 sets how the meter is used: residential measurements are ordinarily taken inside the receiving structure, in sleeping or living areas, with windows opened about 25% in homes without mechanical ventilation and closed for homes with it, unless the source is in a commercial or industrial zone next to a residential zone, in which case the reading is taken outside within 25 feet of the nearest wall of the residence.

under Section 9-9-2. The exceedance must be persistent or continuous, defined in the same section as sound discerned in each of ten one-minute intervals across a ten-minute period, before a violation is established.