The Resolution Path
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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Princeton, NJ
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Princeton's ordinance refers to State law for decibel levels for amplified music at private events, but does not specify local decibel limits."
AI Executive Summary
Princeton, NJ noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 21, prohibit loud, continuous, or excessive noise that endangers public health, safety, or welfare, or disturbs comfort. Specific regulations govern construction, amplified sound, animal noise, refuse collection, and various landscaping equipment operation hours. Violations can result in fines as per the general penalty code.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
General construction/demolition hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Prohibited on Sundays, except for urgent public health and safety necessity with a permit. Homeowners performing interior/exterior repairs may work between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Amplified Sound
Operation of sound-producing devices plainly audible within any neighboring residence is prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Music amplification at privately sponsored events is permitted without a specific permit from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m., provided state decibel regulations are met. Permits are required for other times.
Animals
Keeping any animal, including birds or dogs, that causes frequent or long-continued noise disturbing others' comfort or repose is unlawful. A dog barking continually for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes, plainly audible at 50 feet, is prima facie evidence of a violation.
Vehicles
Buses, trucks, and tractors cannot be warmed up near homes between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Unnecessary and repeated idling, acceleration, starting, or stopping of vehicles and motorcycles is prohibited from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Landscaping Equipment
Gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited from December 16 to March 14 and May 16 to September 30. During allowed periods (March 15-May 15 and October 1-December 15), use is 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mon-Fri) and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Sat), prohibited on Sundays and Thanksgiving. Power lawnmowers, electric/battery-powered leaf blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, string trimmers, and pole trimmers are allowed 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mon-Fri), 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Sat), and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Sundays and holidays). Other gas-powered equipment (chainsaws, snow blowers, portable generators) are banned on Sundays and specific holidays, and allowed 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mon-Fri) and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Sat). Emergency use of some equipment is permitted.
Refuse Collection
Collection, transportation, or disposal of refuse is prohibited on Sundays, or other than between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on other days, except for urgent public health and safety necessity with a permit.
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