Nashua, NH Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Nashua, 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
- Audible past 50 feet from source
- Minimum fine
- $100 per § 201-3(A)
- Enforcement
- Nashua Police Department
- Stadium exemption
- Holman & Stellos Stadium sporting events
- Repeat violations
- Each day is a separate offense
Summary
Nashua bans playing radios, stereos, loudspeakers or sound amplifiers so as to disturb neighbors' peace. Sound clearly audible more than 50 feet from the source building is automatic (prima facie) proof of a violation: a bright-line test for outdoor concerts and live amplified music.
The using, operating, or permitting to be played, used or operated any radio, receiving set, television, phonograph, stereo, record player, tape player, cassette player, compact disc player, loud speaker, sound amplifier, or any other electronic device for the producing, reproducing, or amplifying of sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the inhabitants of neighboring premises. The operation of any such set, instrument, machine or device in such a manner as to be clearly audible at a distance of 50 feet (15 meters) from the building, premises or structure in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
B. The using, operating or permitting to be played, used or operated of any radio, receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, loud speaker, television, stereo, record player, tape player, cassette player, compact disk player, sound amplifier, or any other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound which is cast upon the public streets for the purpose of commercial advertising, or attracting the attention of the public to any building or structure.
C. Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on the public streets, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or at any time or place so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in neighboring premises.
D.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4805762; v29 updated 2026-02-10; through 02-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 201-2(A) makes it unlawful to operate any radio, loudspeaker, or sound amplifier for producing or amplifying sound in a way that disturbs the peace of neighboring premises. It sets a 50-foot rule: if the sound is clearly audible past 50 feet from the building or premises where it's playing, that alone is prima facie evidence of a violation, no decibel meter needed. Subsection E extends this to City-sponsored events, with one carve-out: sporting events at Holman Stadium and Stellos Stadium are exempt from Subsection A.
Violations & Fines
Minimum $100 fine per § 201-3(A). Violators get a written order to cease or abate; if the noise continues after the order or resumes within 24 hours, each additional day is a separate offense under § 1-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play amplified live music outdoors in Nashua?
Does the noise limit apply to City-sponsored events?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashua
Compare Nashua to another location·View the New Hampshire noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle amplified music & outdoor sound.