New Haven, CT Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Daytime hours means the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and the hours of 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. Sundays and federal and state holidays. Unless otherwise provided, all other hours shall be construed as nighttime hours.

Decibel means a logarithmic unit of measure used in measuring magnitudes of sound. The symbol is dB. SPL (sound-pressure level) is defined as:

SPL = 20 log P in dB/Po Where Po = 0.0002 microbars

Demolition means any dismantling, intentional destruction or removal of structures, utilities, public or private right-of-way surfaces or similar property.

Domestic power equipment means power saws, drills, grinders, lawn and garden tools and other similar devices.

Emergency means any occurrence or set of circumstances involving actual or imminent physical trauma or property damage which demands immediate action.

Emergency vehicle means any motor vehicle authorized by Conn. General Statutes Section 14-283 as amended from time to time and the City of New Haven to have sound-warning devices such as sirens and bells which can lawfully be used when responding to an emergency.

Emergency work means work made necessary to restore property to a safe condition following an emergency, or work required to protect persons or property from exposure to imminent danger.

Impulse noise means a sound of short duration, usually less than one (1) second, with an abrupt onset and rapid decay.