Bloomfield, NJ Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Amplified sound in Bloomfield Township is regulated by two chapters. Chapter 635, Noise, adopted by the Bloomfield Board of Health on 11-9-2005, contains the most specific music standards in § 635-6B. Subsection B(5) bars personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment from being plainly audible at a residential property line between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Subsection B(6) bars personal or commercial music amplification equipment from being plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the operator between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and it prohibits food-vending and ice cream trucks from playing jingles while stationary. Jingles can be played only when the vehicle is in motion. Subsection B(7) covers self-contained, portable, hand-held equipment on a public space or public right-of-way: it cannot be plainly audible at 50 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. the sound cannot be plainly audible by any person other than the operator.

Chapter 380, adopted by the Township Council, adds general rules. Section 380-1A bars operating any radio, musical instrument, phonograph or other sound device with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing of the operator and voluntary listeners, or in a way that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants. Under § 380-1B, operating such a device between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. so that it is plainly audible at a distance of 100 feet from the building, structure, vehicle or place of use is prima facie evidence of a violation. Section 380-1C states that nothing in the section prohibits playing by a band or orchestra in a hall, building or the open air.

Advertising uses are tighter. Section 380-2 bars loudspeakers and sound amplifiers used to attract the passing public on the streets or public places, and § 380-3 makes sound trucks unlawful on public streets unless the vehicle is stationary and the operator first obtains a permit from the Township Council.