Hudson, NH Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Hudson measures noise against a zoned, time-of-day table under § 249-4B: a continuous one-hour sound level (Leq) may not exceed 55 dBA by day or 50 dBA at night for residential, rural or institutional land, which the chapter's definitions extend to hospitals, schools, churches, libraries and public parkland; 65 dBA by day and 55 dBA at night for business and recreational land such as playgrounds, pools, athletic fields and golf courses; and 75 dBA around the clock in industrial areas. A parallel table in § 249-4C sets tighter, higher impulsive-sound limits (67/62 dBA residential, 77/67 dBA business, 87/87 dBA industrial) for short sharp noises measured in dBC fast response.

Section 249-4D adds a separate background-referenced limit: no one may raise the ambient background sound level by more than 10 dBA in any receptor area at any time. 4-1983 Type 1 or 2 sound-level meter calibrated before and after use, positioned at least four feet above the ground and, for a noise source affecting outdoor use, at the property line between the affected area and the source. The Town's designated representative can inspect and test noise sources under § 249-6, seeking a court warrant if access is refused, and a conviction under § 249-7C is fined $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $500 for each one after that within a year.