Fairfield, CT Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Fairfield's Noise chapter, Chapter 78, does not require officers to identify a song to cite a violation for a loud bass complaint. The 'plainly audible' definition in § 78-2 specifically addresses bass: it defines plainly audible as any sound from a sound production device detectable by a person's unaided hearing of normal acuity, and states that for a portable or vehicular sound amplification device, the enforcement officer need not determine the title, specific words, or performing artist of a song. Detection of the rhythmic bass component of the music alone is enough to make the sound plainly audible, and only noise from sound production devices, such as stereos, speakers or amplifiers, is measured against the plainly audible standard set out in § 78-5, rather than the sound-level-meter dBA standard used for other noise sources.

Enforcement runs through the Police Department under § 78-6A, which responds to a complaint and makes the required plainly audible determination. Under § 78-6B, a first offense draws a verbal warning, a second offense within six months draws a $100 citation, and each further offense within that six-month window draws a $250 citation. Each violation is treated as a separate offense under § 78-6C, and interfering with an officer's enforcement is itself a separate violation under § 78-6D. Because no signed complaint is required to enforce the chapter under § 78-6F, an officer who plainly hears bass-heavy music from a stereo can act without a resident having to submit anything in writing.