Paterson, NJ Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Paterson, 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
- Weeknight increase cap
- 3 dB(C) above residual
- Weekend night increase cap
- 6 dB(C) above residual
- Portable device limit (day)
- audible past 50 ft
- Government-permitted events
- exempt from chapter
Summary
Outdoor and portable amplified music in Paterson can't raise sound above the neighborhood residual level by more than 3 dB(C) at night, and portable devices in public space must stay inaudible past 25-50 feet depending on the hour.
No person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit the operation of any sound production device in such a manner that the sound crosses a property line and raises the total sound levels above the neighborhood residual sound level by more than the permissible sound level limits set forth in Table IV when measured within the residence of a complainant according to the measurement protocol in § 337-7B of this chapter. These sound level measurements shall be conducted with the sound level meter set for "C" weighting, "fast" response. Table IV Maximum Permissible Increase in Total Sound Levels Within a Residential Property Weeknights 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Weekend nights 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. All Other Times 3 dB (C) 6 dB(C)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under § 337-9, no sound production device, including amplified live music, may raise total sound levels above the neighborhood residual level by more than the increase set in Table IV when measured inside a complaining neighbor's residence; Table IV lists a 3 dB(C) cap on weeknights (10 p.m.-8 a.m.) and 6 dB(C) on weekend nights (11 p.m.-9 a.m.). Separately, § 337-10F bars self-contained portable, nonvehicular music devices on public space or right-of-way from being plainly audible beyond 50 feet from 8 a.m.-10 p.m., or beyond 25 feet from 10 p.m.-8 a.m. Government-permitted public events are exempt from the chapter (§ 337-5A(8)).
Violations & Fines
Minimum $500 civil penalty per offense, up to $2,000 under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5; each day a violation continues is a separate offense (§ 337-12).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a restaurant have outdoor live music in Paterson?
How loud can a street musician play?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey noise ordinances overview
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