Manchester, NH Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Manchester, NH, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Trigger threshold
- above 60 dBA amplified
- Permit issuer
- office of the City Clerk
- Curfew
- 10:00 p.m., all outdoor venues
- Hard cap
- 100 dBA at 100 feet
- Application fee
- $200
Summary
Amplifying music or speech above 60 dBA at an outdoor venue in Manchester requires a noise permit from the City Clerk, with a 10 p.m. curfew.
No person shall conduct an event that involves the amplification of sound or speech above 60 dBA for the purpose of presenting a musical selection, show, performance or concert at an outdoor venue within the limits of the city without obtaining a noise permit issued by the office of the City Clerk.
(B) The following general guidelines shall apply to the issuance of a noise permit. These guidelines are not all inclusive as other criteria may be established that is reasonable and prudent to protect the public or limit the anticipated detrimental impact of the events noise upon the community:
(1) All outdoor venues shall have a curfew of 10:00 p.m. Any event which exceeds this curfew shall be assessed the penalty identified in § 111.99(C)(4) for each 15-minute period beyond this curfew.
(2) The office of the City Clerk shall not grant a permit to conduct noise at level greater than 100 dBA to be measured 100 feet from the noise source.
(3) Any sound board or mix position present at an event shall be placed at 100 feet from the noise source.
(4) The office of the City Clerk may require any applicant to be monitored for sound levels to ensure compliance with this chapter. Monitoring may be conducted by a representative of the city or an independent third party using an appropriate sound level meter. In the event of third party monitoring, all expenses associated with the sound monitoring shall be assumed by the applicant.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
Manchester requires a noise permit from the office of the City Clerk before amplifying sound or speech above 60 dBA for a musical selection, show, performance, or concert at an outdoor venue anywhere in the city. The City Clerk cannot issue a permit allowing noise louder than 100 dBA measured 100 feet from the source, and any sound board or mix position must sit 100 feet back from the source. All outdoor venues carry a 10:00 p.m. curfew; going over it triggers a penalty for each 15-minute period beyond that time. The Clerk can also require sound-level monitoring by the city or a third party, billed to the applicant, and can attach added conditions to the permit. A denied application can be appealed to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen's Committee on Administrative/Information Systems. The application fee is $200.
Violations & Fines
1st offense: written warning. 2nd: $250 citation. 3rd: $500. 4th and beyond: $1,000 per offense, each day a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for outdoor amplified music in Manchester?
What happens if my outdoor event runs past curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
Compare Manchester to another location·View the New Hampshire noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle amplified music & outdoor sound.