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Paterson, NJ Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Daytime residential
65 dB outdoors, 7am-10pm
Nighttime residential
50 dB outdoors, 10pm-7am
Indoor residential cap
55 dB day / 40 dB night
Measured at
Real property line

Summary

Paterson caps outdoor sound at residential properties at 65 dBA from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and 50 dBA overnight, measured at the property line, under a detailed three-table noise standard.

No person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit the operation of any source of sound...in such a manner as to create a sound level that equals or exceeds the sound level limits set forth in Tables I, II or III when measured at or within the real property line... Table I...Residential Property...Maximum A-Weighted Sound Level Standard, dB...7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m....65...10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m....50

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 337, § 337-8 bars any regulated sound source from exceeding the limits in Tables I-III when measured at the receiving property line. Table I sets outdoor A-weighted limits of 65 dB (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and 50 dB (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) for residential property, versus a flat 65 dB for public-service or nonresidential portions of multi-use property. Table II sets lower indoor limits (55/40 dB), and Table III adds octave-band sound-pressure limits by frequency for finer measurement. Construction/demolition is separately exempt from these tables under § 337-5C, subject to § 337-10.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the Table I-III limits triggers enforcement by a certified Noise Control Officer or Investigator under §§ 337-6, 337-7 and 337-12, with penalties set by the chapter's general violations provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Paterson's nighttime noise limit for a residential block?
50 dBA measured outdoors at the property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., per Table I of § 337-8.
Are indoor and outdoor noise limits the same in Paterson?
No. Table II sets lower indoor caps (55 dB day, 40 dB night) than the outdoor limits in Table I, since indoor measurement occurs across a shared wall or floor.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Paterson

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsAircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Paterson rules

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