Paterson, NJ Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential quiet hours
- 8 p.m.-8 a.m.
- Equipment requirement
- muffler or sound reduction device
- Commercial crew hours
- 6 p.m.-8 a.m. weekdays
- Emergency work
- exempt
Summary
Paterson bars residents from running power tools, leaf blowers and other yard maintenance equipment between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. unless the noise stays within Chapter 337's decibel limits, and requires a muffler on motorized gear.
Excluding emergency work, power tools, home maintenance tools, landscaping and/or yard maintenance equipment used by a residential property owner or tenant shall not be operated between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., unless such activities can meet the applicable limits set forth in Tables I, II or III. At all other times, the limits set forth in Tables I, II or III do not apply. All motorized equipment used in these activities shall be operated with a muffler and/or sound reduction device.
B. Excluding emergency work, power tools, landscaping and/or yard maintenance equipment used by nonresidential operators (e.g., commercial operators, public employees) shall not be operated on residential, commercial, industrial or public (e.g., golf course, parks, athletic fields) property between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekdays, or between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends or federal holidays, unless such activities can meet the limits set forth in Tables I, II or III. At all other times, the limits set forth in Tables I, II or III do not apply. All motorized equipment used in these activities shall be operated with a muffler and/or sound reduction device.
C.
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
Section 337-10A of the noise code bars a residential property owner or tenant from operating power tools, home maintenance tools, or landscaping and yard maintenance equipment, which covers gas leaf blowers, between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., unless the activity stays within the sound-level limits of Tables I, II or III. Outside that window the numeric table limits don't apply to yard equipment. All motorized equipment used for these activities must run with a muffler or sound reduction device. A tighter, separate rule at § 337-10B applies to commercial landscapers and public crews.
Violations & Fines
Minimum $500 penalty per offense, up to $2,000 under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5; repeated or continuing violations are charged per day (§ 337-12).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my neighbor use a leaf blower before 8 a.m. in Paterson?
Do commercial landscapers get different hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
How Paterson compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey noise ordinances overview
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