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Hartford, CT Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Residential day limit
55 dBA
Residential night limit
45 dBA
Night hours
10pm-7am (9am Sundays)
Max penalty
$90 fine / 25 days jail
No-meter test
Audible at 100 feet

Summary

Hartford caps noise at the property line by zone and time of day: a residential-zone source is limited to 55 dBA reaching a residential receptor by day and 45 dBA at night.

(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to emit or cause to be emitted any noise beyond the boundaries of his/her premises in excess of the noise levels established in these regulations.(b)Noise level standards:(1)No person in a residential zone shall emit noise beyond the boundaries of his/her premises exceeding the levels stated herein and applicable to adjacent residential, commercial or industrial zones:...Residential/day .....55 dBA Residential/night .....45 dBA

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 23-3 makes it unlawful to emit noise beyond your property line above the level set for the receiving zone. For a residential-zone source reaching another residential zone, the ceiling is 55 dBA during the day (7 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays) and 45 dBA at night, measured with an ANSI-compliant sound level meter or, absent a meter, judged by whether the noise is plainly audible 100 feet from its source. Impulse noise is separately capped at 80 dB peak overnight and 100 dB peak at any time, and construction, emergency, and domestic power-tool noise carry their own hourly exemptions.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the zone dBA limit, or being plainly audible 100 feet away, is enforced through community court, with fines up to $90 or up to 25 days in jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the noise limit in a Hartford residential zone at night?
45 dBA measured at the property line, per section 23-3(b)(1); the daytime limit is 55 dBA.
How does Hartford measure noise without a meter?
Noise plainly audible 100 feet from its source counts as prima facie evidence of a violation under sections 23-1 and 23-3(c).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hartford

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesLight RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Hartford rules

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