New Jersey's Noise Control Act sets uniform statewide decibel limits for stationary commercial and industrial sources, preempting conflicting local rules.
The NJ Noise Control Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1G-1 et seq.) and DEP regulations at N.J.A.C. 7:29 establish statewide maximum sound levels for stationary industrial, commercial, public service, and community service facilities. Limits generally cap continuous airborne sound at 65 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime at residential property lines, with additional octave band limits. Municipalities may adopt local noise ordinances only if they conform to the state model ordinance and are approved by NJDEP, and they cannot apply to sources fully regulated by the state code.
Penalties include civil administrative orders, fines up to $50,000 per day per violation under N.J.S.A. 13:1G-21, and injunctive relief in Superior Court.
See how Sparta's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
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