Santa Fe, NM Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Santa Fe, NM, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 10-2.4(B)(5), Noise Ordinance, § 10-2 SFCC 1987
- Restricted hours
- 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Applies in
- Residential and commercial zoned areas
- Other zones
- Must meet industrial dBA limits anytime
- First-offense fine
- Up to $200
- Hardship permit
- Available from city manager under § 10-2.8
Summary
Santa Fe bars construction, repair, alteration and demolition equipment from running between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. in residential and commercial zones under Section 10-2.4(B)(5) SFCC 1987. In other areas of the city, construction noise must stay within the industrial sound limits of Section 10-2.5 at any hour.
(5) Operating, or causing to be used or operated, any equipment used in construction, repair, alteration or demolition work on buildings, structures, streets, alleys or appurtenances thereto: (a) In residential or commercial zone areas between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day; and (b) In any other areas of the city where such operation exceeds the sound level limits for an industrial land use as set forth in subsection 10-2.5.
Full Breakdown
Section 10-2.4(B)(5) of the Noise Ordinance, Section 10-2 SFCC 1987, makes it a violation to operate or permit the operation of any equipment used in construction, repair, alteration or demolition work on buildings, structures, streets, alleys or their appurtenances in a residential or commercial zoned area between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day. In any other area of the city, construction equipment isn't bound by that curfew but still can't exceed the sound level limits set for an industrial land use in Section 10-2.5, which caps stationary sources at 70 dBA overnight and 75 dBA during the day in industrial-agricultural zones.
Where a construction noise source can be measured across more than one land-use category, the more restrictive zone's limit applies at the boundary. A contractor who needs to run equipment during the restricted overnight window, for example on a rush job or a temporary activity that cannot practically be scheduled within daytime hours, can apply to the city manager or appointed designee for a hardship permit under Section 10-2.8, showing that additional time is needed to comply, that the work is temporary, or that no reasonable alternative exists.
Denials can be appealed in writing to the governing body within five calendar days. Violating the construction-hours rule is charged the same way as any other Section 10-2.4 violation.
Violations & Fines
Running construction equipment in a residential or commercial zone between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. without a Section 10-2.8 hardship permit is a misdemeanor under Section 10-2.4(C). The first offense carries a fine of up to $200, each later offense up to $500, and every night of unpermitted overnight construction noise is charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can construction crews run equipment in Santa Fe?
Can a contractor get permission to work past 9 p.m.?
What's the fine for construction noise after hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Fe
Compare Santa Fe to another location·View the New Mexico noise ordinances overview
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