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Albuquerque, NM Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Residential receptor limit: 55 dB day, 50 dB night
Commercial/entertainment receptor limit: 65 dB day, 60 dB night
Industrial/public receptor limit: 75 dB day, 70 dB night
Daytime hours: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
First-offense fine: $250 civil fine

Summary

Albuquerque's Noise Control Ordinance sets numeric sound limits by receptor zone and time of day, from 50 dB(A) in residential areas at night to 75 dB(A) near industrial and public premises during the day.

(A) ... no person shall make or continue, cause to be made or continued, or allow to be made or continued, any sound that persistently or continuously results in an exceedance of the following sound level limits using an approved sound-level meter measuring decibels on the A-Weighted scale. Table 1 (A-Weighted measurements in decibels (dB)) ... Residential 55 50 65 60 75 70

Source: ROA 1994 Chapter 9 Article 9 Noise ControlView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).

Full Breakdown

Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque § 9-9-4 sets A-weighted sound-level limits keyed to both the source premises' zoning and the receptor premises' zoning, split into daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) periods. Residential-to-residential noise may not persistently exceed 55 dB(A) by day or 50 dB(A) by night. Noise crossing into a commercial or Downtown Arts and Entertainment Focus Area receptor is capped at 65 dB(A) day / 60 dB(A) night, and noise reaching industrial or public premises is capped at 75 dB(A) day / 70 dB(A) night. A parallel C-weighted table (§ 9-9-4(B)) sets limits 5 dB higher throughout. Residential measurements are taken indoors with windows partly open.

Violations & Fines

Each violation is a civil offense: $250 fine for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense within any 36-month period; each day is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the nighttime noise limit for a house next to another house in Albuquerque?

50 dB(A), measured inside the receiving residence, under § 9-9-4(A) Table 1 for the 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. nighttime period.

How does Albuquerque measure compliance with its noise limits?

With an approved sound-level meter; for residential receptors, readings are taken indoors in sleeping or living areas with windows open about 25%.

What happens if I violate Albuquerque's noise limits more than once?

Civil fines escalate: $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense within any 36-month period.

Sources & Official References

[1]Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque, Ch. 9 Art. 9 (Noise Control) — American Legal Publishing

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