Perth Amboy, NJ Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Chapter 343 of the Perth Amboy City Code regulates public entertainment. Section 343-1 defines it as any gathering on private or public property, whether or not an admission fee is charged, held for selling or exhibiting goods or for conducting performances of any kind, including concerts and shows. Section 343-2 requires a special permit from the City of Perth Amboy before anyone conducts, promotes or allows public entertainment on any real property, including streets and sidewalks. Events sponsored exclusively by the city are exempt, and events run by public and private schools or religious institutions on property they own or lease fall outside the chapter.

Section 343-7 is the amplified-music rule, last amended on February 8, 2006 by Ord. No. 1332-2006. Live performances with amplified music can be permitted in city parks and on private property, but no permit is issued for a performance to begin earlier than 12:00 noon on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. No permit is issued for a performance to conclude later than 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays or later than 9:00 p.m. on Sundays. Holidays falling on days other than Fridays and Saturdays are treated in the same manner as Sundays, so the 9:00 p.m. cutoff applies to them.

The same section adds a noise standard for any public entertainment. No person shall make, cause or allow unreasonable noise so as to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or harm. The code defines unreasonable noise as any excessive or unusually loud sound that disturbs the peace, comfort or repose of a reasonable person of normal sensitivity, or that causes injury to plant or animal life, or damage to property or business.

The permit process comes first. Under § 343-3, a verified application goes to the City Clerk at least 90 days before the first day of the event, with a nonrefundable application fee of $100 and a background check at the applicant's cost, good for three years. Under § 343-5, permits for events on private property are limited to property zoned commercial or industrial, and § 343-6 separately fixes the days and hours for public entertainment events.

Amplified sound outside a permitted event is a Chapter 304 matter. Section 304-10(B) treats sound equipment plainly audible at 50 feet between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. as prima facie evidence of a violation, and § 304-10(C) prohibits amplifiers casting sound onto the public streets for commercial advertising.