Albuquerque, NM Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Albuquerque, NM, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Albuquerque Code section 9-9-4(D)
- Allowed hours
- 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Permit required
- Sundays, holidays, or 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.
- Proximity trigger
- Within 500 ft of noise-sensitive property
- Emergency work
- Exempt (section 9-9-8)
Summary
Under Noise Control Ordinance section 9-9-4(D), no construction equipment may operate within 500 feet of noise-sensitive property on Sundays, holidays, or between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. without a Temporary Construction Noise Permit. The city summarizes the allowed window as 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
(D) Except for work authorized by a governmental body or agency, no person shall, on or within 500 feet of any noise-sensitive property, operate or cause to be operated any equipment used in construction, repair, alteration, excavation, grading or demolition work on buildings, structures, streets, alleys or appurtenances thereto: (1) With sound-control devices less effective than those provided on the original equipment; and without using noise mitigation measures. (2) On Sundays or holidays or between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., without first obtaining a Temporary Construction Noise Permit as described in section 9-9-5.
Full Breakdown
Construction noise is governed by section 9-9-4(D) of the Noise Control Ordinance. m. Construction cannot occur on Sundays, holidays, or after the permitted hours without a construction noise permit. ' A NOISE-SENSITIVE PROPERTY is defined in section 9-9-2 as property containing an occupied dwelling unit, school, hospital, religious institution, child-care or adult-care facility, or similar facility. ' Temporary Construction Noise Permits are free and evaluated under section 9-9-5(C)(2) based on distance to noise-sensitive property, type of activity/equipment, estimated noise level and duration, and mitigation measures.
Violations & Fines
Operating outside the allowed hours without a permit is a civil violation under section 9-9-11 ($250 first offense, $500 second, $1,000 third within any 36-month period; each calendar day a separate offense).
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can construction make noise in Albuquerque?
Does the construction rule apply everywhere?
Is emergency repair work exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
How Albuquerque compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico noise ordinances overview
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