Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Section 258-5C(8) of the Chapter 258 noise code sets a standard by audibility instead of a decibel reading. Self-contained, portable, hand-held music or sound amplification or reproduction equipment cannot be operated on a public space or public right-of-way in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the operator between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., sound from that equipment cannot be plainly audible by any person other than the operator.

The test is set by the definition in § 258-1. PLAINLY AUDIBLE means any sound that can be detected by a person using his or her unaided hearing faculties. For a portable or personal vehicular device, detecting the rhythmic bass component of the music is sufficient to verify plainly audible sound, and the noise control officer need not determine the title, the words or the artist.

The terms carry specific meanings. A PUBLIC SPACE is real property or structures owned, leased or controlled by a governmental entity, and a PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY is a street, avenue, boulevard, road, highway, sidewalk, alley or easement owned, leased or controlled by a governmental entity. Parks, sidewalks and municipal grounds in Parsippany-Troy Hills fall inside those definitions.

The provision reaches only portable, hand-held equipment on public land. Music from vehicles has its own clauses in § 258-5C(6) and (7). Sound from stationary sources at homes and businesses, including amplified music indoors or on a patio, is measured against Tables I and II under § 258-4A, and the impulsive sound cap of 80 decibels in § 258-4D applies to sharp bursts.

The enforcers are the noise control officers of § 258-3, who must hold state-approved certification. Officers can also work with counterparts in neighboring municipalities.