Albuquerque, NM Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

Construction noise is governed by section 9-9-4(D) of the Noise Control Ordinance. Except for work authorized by a governmental body, no person may operate construction, repair, alteration, excavation, grading, or demolition equipment on or within 500 feet of any noise-sensitive property (1) with sound-control devices less effective than the original equipment and without noise mitigation measures, or (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.' The City's Environmental Health Department summarizes the rule: 'Construction activities are allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Construction cannot occur on Sundays, holidays, or after the permitted hours without a construction noise permit. Construction work due to an emergency is exempt.' 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. Emergency or civic construction, demolition, or repair work is exempt under section 9-9-8, as are construction-caused 'earthshaking vibrations.' 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.