Noise from Specific Sources in New Mexico (2026)
17 rules on the books across New Mexico, 6 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Noise limits for air conditioners, heat pumps, pool equipment, and other mechanical systems, including decibel thresholds measured at the property line.
Albuquerque
Some RestrictionsAir conditioners, heat pumps and other fixed mechanical equipment must stay under Albuquerque's residential sound…
Read full rule →Bernalillo County
Some RestrictionsBernalillo County bans operating machinery, fans, compressors or air conditioning that pushes noise at the property…
Read full rule →Dona Ana County
Some RestrictionsDoña Ana County bars nighttime operation of any stationary air conditioner, fan or other permanently installed…
Read full rule →Rio Rancho
Some RestrictionsA Rio Rancho HVAC unit or other fixed equipment can't send sound across a residential property line above 55 decibels…
Read full rule →Bar & Nightclub Noise
Noise regulations specific to bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues, including bass frequency limits, soundproofing requirements, and complaint procedures.
Albuquerque
Some RestrictionsAlbuquerque gives its Downtown Arts and Entertainment Focus Area a higher noise ceiling than the rest of the city: 65…
Read full rule →Rio Rancho
Some RestrictionsBars and other businesses in Rio Rancho's Retail Commercial and similar zoning districts can't send sound across the…
Read full rule →Santa Fe
Some RestrictionsSanta Fe's zoning code defines a nightclub by an unmissable trait: amplified live entertainment or dance music after 10…
Read full rule →Car Alarm Limits
Maximum duration for car alarms before they must auto-silence, penalties for repeated false alarms, and vehicle towing authority for chronic alarm violations.
Bernalillo County
Some RestrictionsSounding a car alarm or theft-deterrent device on public streets in unincorporated Bernalillo County is a violation…
Read full rule →Las Cruces
Some RestrictionsLas Cruces has no ordinance written specifically for car alarms; the closest local rule, Sec. 19-123, bans sounding a…
Read full rule →Generator Noise
Rules for portable and standby generators, including permitted operating hours, decibel limits, and restrictions during non-emergency use.
Albuquerque
Some RestrictionsAlbuquerque's Integrated Development Ordinance sets no citywide generator curfew; instead it regulates two specific…
Read full rule →Dona Ana County
Some RestrictionsDoña Ana County's Noise Control Ordinance caps nighttime sound from stationary equipment, including generators, at 50…
Read full rule →Delivery Truck Noise
Time-of-day restrictions on commercial delivery trucks operating in residential zones, including back-up beepers, refrigeration units, and engine idling.
Albuquerque
Some RestrictionsUnattended delivery trucks under 22,000 lbs can't be left running during pickup or drop-off, on public or private…
Read full rule →Bernalillo County
Some RestrictionsHeavy trucks over four tons cannot idle more than two minutes within 150 feet of residential property in unincorporated…
Read full rule →Low-Frequency Bass Limits
Special bass-frequency (≤125 Hz) sound limits for venues, including dB(C) measurement standards and how cities differentiate bass noise from baseline ambient.
Albuquerque
Some RestrictionsAlbuquerque regulates thumping bass and other low-frequency noise separately from ordinary sound, using a C-weighted…
Read full rule →Bernalillo County
Some RestrictionsBernalillo County does not let a single A-weighted decibel reading decide a bass complaint. County Code § 30-114…
Read full rule →Las Cruces
Some RestrictionsLas Cruces bans car stereos and sound amplifiers that are audible or vibration-detectable 30 feet or more from the…
Read full rule →Rio Rancho
Some RestrictionsRio Rancho, New Mexico measures bass-heavy, low-frequency noise on the more sensitive C-weighted scale, capping…
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