New Jersey Statewide Rule
New Jersey Industrial and Commercial Noise Standards
Key Facts
- Statute
- N.J.S.A. 13:1G-1 et seq.
- Daytime limit
- 65 dBA at property line
- Nighttime limit
- 50 dBA at property line
- Regulator
- NJ Department of Environmental Protection
- Max penalty
- $50,000 per day
Summary
New Jersey's Noise Control Act sets uniform statewide decibel limits for stationary commercial and industrial sources, preempting conflicting local rules.
No existing civil or criminal remedy now or hereafter available to any person shall be superseded by this act or any code, rules, regulations or orders promulgated pursuant thereto. No ordinances or resolutions of any governing body of a municipality or county or board of health which establish specific standards for the level or duration of community noise more stringent than this act or any code, rules, regulations or orders promulgated pursuant thereto shall be superseded. Nothing in this act or in any code, rules, regulations or orders promulgated pursuant thereto shall preclude the right of any governing body of a municipality or county board of health, subject to the approval of the department, to adopt ordinances, resolutions or regulations which establish specific standards for the level or duration of community noise more stringent than this act or any code, rules or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Penalties
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my New Jersey town set stricter industrial noise rules?
Who enforces industrial noise complaints in New Jersey?
Sources
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