Passaic, NJ Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Passaic, 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
- PA/loudspeaker curfew
- 10:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.
- Sound reproduction ban
- Any hour if it disturbs others
- General fine
- Up to $1,000 per offense
- Willful violation fine
- $25–$1,000 per offense
- Enforcing officer
- City Noise Control Officer
- City events
- Exempt under § 193-14B
Summary
Passaic bars loudspeakers and public address systems from creating a noise disturbance across a residential property line between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. under the city's noise ordinance. Amplified stereo or radio sound that disturbs a neighbor is prohibited at any hour. A Noise Control Officer can issue a summons or an abatement order, with fines up to $1,000 per offense.
No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the following acts: (1) Sound reproduction systems: operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph or similar device that reproduces or amplifies sound in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance for any person other than the operator of the device. (2) Loudspeakers and public address systems: using or operating of any loudspeaker, public address system or similar device, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in the following day, such that the sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4978046; v41 updated 2026-07-01; through 07-01-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 193, Noise, splits amplified-sound rules into two prohibited acts under § 193-13B. Subsection (1) bans operating any radio, television, phonograph or similar device that "reproduces or amplifies sound" in a way that creates a noise disturbance for anyone besides the operator, with no time-of-day limit. whenever the sound crosses a residential property line and creates a disturbance. Enforcement runs through noise control officers appointed under § 193-10, who may measure sound levels, grant variances, or refer violations for a summons. on Friday and Saturday, later than the general § 193-13B(2) restriction would otherwise permit outside those two districts.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 193-13 is enforced under § 193-16: the noise control officer may issue a summons or, in lieu of a summons, an abatement order requiring correction within a reasonable time. General violations carry a fine of up to $1,000 per offense; willful or knowing violations carry a minimum $25 fine up to $1,000. Each day a violation continues is treated as a separate, additional offense, and the Code preserves any other civil remedy a person may have for resulting injury or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play amplified music outdoors after 10 p.m. in Passaic?
Does the noise ordinance apply to city-sponsored festivals?
What happens if a neighbor reports my outdoor speaker?
Are any restaurants allowed live music later than 10 p.m.?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Passaic
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Passaic County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.