Hillsborough County, NH Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Counties in New Hampshire do not adopt noise ordinances. The framework has two layers. At the state level, RSA 644:2, III(a) (Disorderly Conduct) prohibits 'making loud or unreasonable noises in a public place, or making loud or unreasonable noises in a private place which can be heard in a public place or other private places, which noises would disturb a person of average sensibilities.' RSA 644:2, III-a covers vehicle sound systems, and RSA 644:2, VI classifies the offense as a violation, escalating to a misdemeanor 'if the offense continues after a request by any person to desist.' Towns and cities draw additional authority from RSA 31:39 (town bylaws for police, health, and good order) and RSA 47:17 (city ordinances for the same purposes). Specific rules in Hillsborough County's two largest cities: Manchester Code of Ordinances Chapter 94 (Noise Regulations) prohibits 'loud, unnecessary or unusual noise' and sets decibel limits in Section 94.10 Table A by zoning district and time period. Manchester Section 94.42 prohibits construction equipment and activities between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that exceed the Table A limits. Commercial sound-producing devices audible at 50 feet from the property line between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. are prima facie evidence of a violation. Nashua's Revised Ordinances Chapter 201 (adopted August 9, 2005) prohibits 'yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on the public streets between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.' and bars construction or demolition in residential zones (or within 600 feet of any dwelling unit) between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sunday through Friday and from 7:00 p.m. Saturday to 8:00 a.m. Sunday and holidays. Smaller Hillsborough County towns (Bedford, Merrimack, Hudson, Milford, Amherst, Hollis, Goffstown, Litchfield, etc.) adopt their own local noise rules under RSA 31:39 - check each town's code.