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Ridgefield, CT Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Daytime hours
7:00 a.m. to 8:59 p.m.
Nighttime hours
9:00 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.
Residential limit
55 dBA day / 45 dBA night
Nonresidential-to-nonresidential
62 dBA day / 45 dBA night
First-offense fine
$60 noise ticket
Variance notice
10 days to First Selectman

Summary

Ridgefield caps outdoor noise at 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime for anyone emitting sound onto a residential receptor, and at 62 dBA daytime toward a nonresidential receptor from a nonresidential emitter. The Police Department measures compliance with a calibrated sound-level meter about one foot from the property line. Violators face a $60 first-offense noise ticket under Town Code Chapter 250.

It shall be unlawful for any person to emit or cause to be emitted any noise beyond the boundaries of his/her/its premises in excess of the following noise levels: Receptor Residential Day/Night Nonresidential Day/Night Residential zone emitter to: 55 dbA/45 dbA 55 dbA/45 dbA Nonresidential zone emitter to: 55 dbA/45 dbA 62 dbA/45 dbA

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4717891; v14 updated 2026-01-21; through 01-21-2026).

Full Breakdown

§ 7-148 and § 22a-73(c). m. Between a residential emitter and any receptor, or a nonresidential emitter reaching a residential receptor, the ceiling is 55 dBA by day and 45 dBA by night. A nonresidential emitter reaching a nonresidential receptor may go to 62 dBA by day but still drops to 45 dBA at night. Measurements are taken about one foot from the boundary of the emitter's premises or one foot inside the receptor's premises, using equipment meeting American National Standards Institute specifications under § 250-5.

Impulse noise, defined as short bursts under about one second, is capped separately at 100 dB peak daytime and 80 dB peak nighttime under § 250-3(B). m. m. Anyone who needs to exceed the limits, such as for an outdoor event, can apply to the First Selectman for a variance at least 10 days ahead under § 250-6, describing the location, hours and nature of the anticipated noise.

Violations & Fines

The Police Department investigates and documents violations with acoustic measurements and can issue a noise ticket carrying a $60 fine for a first offense and $77 for each later offense under § 250-8. Paying within the window counts as a nolo contendere plea. Police may instead charge breach of peace under C.G.S. §§ 53a-181 or 53a-182 for aggravated conduct. Appeals of a noise ticket go to a hearing officer within five days of a written request filed within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ridgefield's nighttime noise limit?
Between 9:00 p.m. and 6:59 a.m., Town Code § 250-3 caps noise reaching a residential receptor at 45 dBA, regardless of whether the source is a home or a business, measured about one foot from the property line with a calibrated sound-level meter.
Can a landscaper mow before 7 a.m. in Ridgefield?
No. The lawn-care exemption in § 250-4(F) only excuses engine-powered maintenance equipment noise between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., so running that equipment outside that window is treated as ordinary noise subject to the 55/45 dBA zone limits and can draw a noise ticket.
How do I get permission to exceed the noise limits for an event?
Apply to the First Selectman under § 250-6 at least 10 days before the activity, stating the location, hours of operation and expected noise intensity. The First Selectman must decide in writing within three business days, and a denial can be appealed to a two-member Selectmen committee.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ridgefield

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesLight RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Ridgefield rules

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