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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Clifton, NJ
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"The ordinance refers to 'Tables I and II' for maximum permissible sound levels, which are not detailed in the provided text. New Jersey state regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:29) establish sound level standards of 65 decibels during daytime and 50 decibels during nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) for stationary commercial and industrial sources. Impulsive sound shall not exceed 80 decibels at all times."
AI Executive Summary
Clifton, NJ's noise ordinance, Chapter 327, prohibits excessive sound detrimental to health, welfare, or peace, especially between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. It sets specific quiet hours for construction, power tools, amplified sound, and vehicle operations to preserve the quality of life. Violations can lead to civil penalties up to $2,000.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction and demolition (excluding emergency work) generally prohibited between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays, unless activities meet limits in Tables I and II. For work in residential zones or adjacent to them, operations are prohibited before 8:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and before 9:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. on Sundays, with homeowner exceptions on Sundays. Deliveries to construction sites are also restricted during these hours. Noncommercial/nonindustrial power tools and landscaping equipment cannot be operated between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. unless meeting Tables I and II. Commercial/industrial power tools and landscaping equipment are restricted between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays near residential property, unless meeting Tables I and II.
Amplified Sound
Portable, hand-held music or sound equipment: not plainly audible at 50 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; only audible by operator between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification: not plainly audible at a residential property line between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., or plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Mechanical loudspeakers or amplifiers on vehicles for advertising/commercial purposes are prohibited without a specific police permit.
Animals
No person shall allow any dog or other animal to be left outdoors if it engages in periods of sustained barking, howling, crying, or other loud noises, especially between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Vehicles
It is unlawful to excessively rev the engine of any motor vehicle between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. if audible at 100 feet. Parking of omnibuses, school buses, pole trailers, road tractors, trailers, semi-trailers, truck tractors, and tow trucks is unlawful on streets between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
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