Cherry Hill, NJ Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Cherry Hill, NJ, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Planning Board and/or Zoning Board
- Trigger
- Sound audible at property line
- Variation fee
- $50, max 10 days
- Enforcement
- Police or Camden Co. Health Dept.
- Max penalty
- $2,000 fine or 90 days
- Exempt
- Emergencies, municipal events
Summary
Cherry Hill Township bans outdoor loudspeakers and PA systems whose sound is plainly audible at the property line or on a public way unless the operator holds a permit. Section 5-1.6.c gives the Planning Board and Zoning Board authority to restrict and grant those permits under the Township's Noise Control ordinance.
Exterior Loudspeakers. Using or operating any mechanical device or loudspeaker in a fixed or movable position exterior to any building or mounted upon any aircraft or motor vehicle such that the sound therefrom is plainly audible at or beyond the property boundary of the source, or on a public way, except by permit. The Planning Board and/or Zoning Board shall have the authority to restrict and control the granting of permits.
Full Breakdown
6 of the Noise Control ordinance (Chapter 5, Police Regulations) lists 'Exterior Loudspeakers' as a prohibited act, subsection c: using or operating any mechanical device or loudspeaker exterior to a building, or mounted on an aircraft or motor vehicle, such that the sound is plainly audible at or beyond the source's property boundary or on a public way, is unlawful except by permit. The ordinance hands permit authority to the Planning Board and/or Zoning Board rather than to police, so a business or event organizer wanting to run outdoor speakers, PA announcements, or amplified music for a sale, grand opening, or outdoor gathering needs board approval first, not just a noise-level test.
7, and noise from a municipally sponsored or approved celebration is exempt outright. 8: a $50 application fee, a description of the noise source and the hardship a denial would cause, and interim control measures, capped at ten days unless renewed. The Noise Control Administrator for these purposes is the Township Zoning Officer, and the Noise Control Officers who enforce it are Cherry Hill police or Camden County Department of Health personnel trained to measure sound.
Violations & Fines
Running exterior loudspeakers or amplified sound without Planning Board or Zoning Board approval is a summonsable offense under Section 5-1.9, issued by police, Community Development, or the Building Code Department, punishable under the Township's Section 1-5 General Penalty: up to a $2,000 fine, 90 days' imprisonment, or 90 days' community service. Officials may also order the equipment shut down or issue an abatement order in lieu of a summons, except where the violation is willful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run outdoor speakers for a business event in Cherry Hill?
Who enforces Cherry Hill's loudspeaker rule?
Is there a way to get a short-term exception instead of a full board permit?
What happens if I run loudspeakers without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cherry Hill
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