Noise Ordinances in New Hampshire (2026)
22 rules on the books across New Hampshire, 3 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Quiet Hours
Nighttime and early morning noise restrictions. Most cities set specific hours when loud activities like lawn mowing, parties, and power tools are not allowed.
Hudson
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Hudson, New Hampshire, Town Code § 249-2 defines nighttime hours as 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays…
Read full rule →Manchester
Some RestrictionsManchester's noise ordinance sets stricter nighttime sound limits from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. citywide, and separately bars…
Read full rule →Nashua
Some RestrictionsNashua bans yelling, shouting, whistling, and singing on public streets between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and treats…
Read full rule →Construction Hours
When construction, demolition, and heavy equipment may run in residential areas. Most cities regulate this by hours and days rather than volume; violations can bring stop-work orders and fines.
Hudson
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Hudson, New Hampshire, commercial contractors may only run outdoor construction Monday through Saturday…
Read full rule →Manchester
Some RestrictionsManchester bars noisy construction work between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. if it exceeds the city's noise-level table, under…
Read full rule →Nashua
Some RestrictionsNashua bars construction and demolition noise in residential zones, or within 600 feet of any dwelling, from 8 p.m. to…
Read full rule →Barking Dogs
Rules about excessive or continuous dog barking, including how complaints are filed, time-of-day limits, and penalties for owners.
New Hampshire: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsNew Hampshire RSA 466:31 makes it a violation for any owner to keep a dog that habitually disturbs the peace by barking…
Read full rule →Hudson
Some RestrictionsIn Hudson, New Hampshire, Town Code Section 188-3 bars any owner or keeper from letting a dog bark, or any animal or…
Read full rule →Manchester
Some RestrictionsManchester prohibits keeping any animal or bird whose frequent or long continued noise disturbs a neighbor's comfort…
Read full rule →Nashua
Some RestrictionsNashua treats sustained or nighttime animal noise, including barking dogs, as a nuisance once an owner is asked to stop…
Read full rule →Leaf Blower Rules
Restrictions on leaf blowers, including permitted hours, decibel caps, and the growing set of cities phasing out or banning gas-powered blowers outright.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Rules for loudspeakers, live bands, DJ equipment, and outdoor music at homes, venues, and events, decibel limits, permitted hours, and when an amplified-sound permit is required.
Manchester
Significant RestrictionsAmplifying music or speech above 60 dBA at an outdoor venue in Manchester requires a noise permit from the City Clerk…
Read full rule →Nashua
Some RestrictionsNashua bans playing radios, stereos, loudspeakers or sound amplifiers so as to disturb neighbors' peace. Sound clearly…
Read full rule →Aircraft Noise
Local regulations related to noise from airports, flight paths, and helicopter operations near residential areas.
Nashua
Significant RestrictionsNashua's Noise Overlay District bans certain land uses and requires soundproofing near Boire Field based on the…
Read full rule →Hudson
Few RestrictionsIn the Town of Hudson, New Hampshire, the local noise chapter does not regulate aircraft: Town Code § 249-5B(4) exempts…
Read full rule →Manchester
Few RestrictionsManchester's noise ordinance limits do not apply to aircraft or helicopters in flight or to ground-based aircraft…
Read full rule →Decibel Limits
The decibel thresholds cities enforce, usually as a table by zone and time of day, residential, commercial, and industrial limits, how noise is measured, and what happens at the property line.
Hudson
Some RestrictionsThe Town of Hudson, New Hampshire caps continuous outdoor sound under § 249-4B at 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime…
Read full rule →Manchester
Some RestrictionsManchester caps noise at the property line by zone: 55-65 dBA daytime and 50-60 dBA at night, with tighter industrial…
Read full rule →Nashua
Some RestrictionsNashua caps noise from exterior mechanical equipment on nonresidential buildings at 50 decibels from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m…
Read full rule →Vehicle Noise
Rules about loud vehicle exhaust, modified mufflers, racing engines, and stereos audible at distance. Covers what officers measure and typical fines.
Hudson
Some RestrictionsIn the Town of Hudson, New Hampshire, Town Code § 249-4J bars unreasonable use of a vehicle horn except as a genuine…
Read full rule →Manchester
Some RestrictionsManchester caps motor vehicle noise at 80 dBA measured 25 feet away and bans altered mufflers that push a vehicle over…
Read full rule →Nashua
Some RestrictionsNashua bans car stereos audible beyond 50 feet, straight-pipe exhaust without a legal muffler, racing engines, and…
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