Lakewood, NJ Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime limit
- 60 decibels, 7am-11pm
- Nighttime limit
- 55 decibels, 11pm-7am
- Measurement
- A-weighted meter, 3+ readings, 2 min apart
- Special event cap
- 60 dB with Township authorization
- Holiday exemption
- 5 holidays, 7am-2am suspended
- Penalty
- $10-$500 per offense, § BH1-2.2
Summary
Lakewood Township caps ambient noise measured from the point of annoyance at 60 decibels between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and 55 decibels overnight under Board of Health Code § BH16-3. Officers use an A-weighted sound level meter and average at least three readings two minutes apart to confirm a violation.
It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made any excessive, unnecessary or unusually loud noise or any noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others, within the limits of the Township. In any zone of the Township, noise shall be measured from the point of annoyance to the source where a noise originates. The sound level radiated over a measurable period of time shall not exceed 60 decibels between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. or 55 decibels between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as measured on the "A" weighted scale by a sound level meter in decibels RE:0.0002 microbar.
Full Breakdown
0002 microbar. If that A-scale reading is exceeded, the enforcing officer may run an octave band analysis, mandatory for a pure-tone noise; the section publishes a full frequency table with separate daytime and nighttime sound-pressure ceilings running from 74/79 decibels at 20-75 Hz down to 32/37 decibels at 4800-9600 Hz. Measurements are taken from the point of annoyance on the complainant's property or building line and must average at least three readings taken two minutes apart; if the source sits less than 10 feet from the point of annoyance, the officer applies the lower nighttime limit even during the day.
Section BH16-4 lists factors an officer weighs beyond the raw decibel number, including the noise's volume, intensity, timing, duration and whether it recurs, plus the zoning and population density of the area. the next day on five listed holidays including Cinco de Mayo, the Fourth of July, New Year's Eve, Purim and Lag B'Omer.
Violations & Fines
Chapter BH16 has no standalone fine schedule, so a decibel-limit violation is punished under the Board of Health Code's general penalty in § BH1-2.2: not less than $10 nor more than $500 per offense in Municipal Court, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense under § BH1-2.3. Section BH16-8 also lets the township pursue a restraining order or injunction against a noise source that endangers residents' health or peace, on top of the fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum decibel level allowed in Lakewood Township?
How is noise measured for a Lakewood violation?
Are there higher noise limits for special events in Lakewood?
Does Lakewood suspend its noise limits on holidays?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the New Jersey noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle decibel limits.