Ridgewood requires a public assembly permit issued by the Chief of Police for any organized gathering using sound amplification or live music, with applications filed at least five business days in advance.
Under the Village of Ridgewood public assemblies chapter, no person or organization may arrange, conduct, or organize a public assembly without first obtaining a permit from the office of the Chief of Police. Applications must indicate whether sound amplification equipment or live music will be used and must be submitted at least five business days before the event. There is no charge for the permit itself. The Chief of Police may deny a permit if the assembly would substantially disrupt school activities at an adjacent location during school hours, or if the noise would substantially disrupt the peace and quiet of Village residents. Unpermitted use of amplified sound in public spaces can also be addressed under the general Chapter 201 noise ordinance.
Holding a public assembly with amplified music or live music without a permit can lead to dispersal orders, citations, and fines under both the public assemblies chapter and Chapter 201, with fines typically starting at $100 per offense.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle amplified music & events.
See how Ridgewood's amplified music & events rules stack up against other locations.
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