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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Trenton, NJ
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Trenton's ordinance primarily focuses on a nuisance standard, rather than explicit decibel limits within its Chapter 167. However, New Jersey's statewide Noise Control Act sets limits of 65 dBA during the daytime (7:00 AM - 10:00 PM) and 50 dBA during nighttime (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM) for residential areas. For commercial and industrial facilities, the statewide limit is 65 dBA continuously."
AI Executive Summary
Trenton, NJ's noise ordinance, Chapter 167 Noise, declares "unnecessary noises or sounds" a nuisance, broadly prohibiting those that are physically annoying, harsh, prolonged, unnatural, or unusual, causing discomfort or disturbing inhabitants' peace. It specifically enumerates various loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noises, without setting explicit decibel limits within the ordinance itself.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction and demolition activities, excluding emergency work, are prohibited between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, or between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays. All motorized equipment used must have a muffler or sound reduction device.
Amplified Sound
Playing any radio, television, musical instrument, phonograph, or other sound-producing device with a louder volume than necessary for convenient hearing, or in a manner that disturbs the peace of neighboring inhabitants, is prohibited. Loudspeakers and amplifiers used for advertising on streets or public places, or that cast sound directly upon them to annoy the public, are also prohibited. The use of 'sound trucks' with loudspeakers or amplifiers on public thoroughfares emitting loud and raucous noises is forbidden.
Animals
The keeping of any animal that causes frequent or continued noise plainly audible beyond the property line, disturbing persons in the vicinity, is prohibited. Dogs are required to be on a leash in public and found running loose can be impounded. Animals cannot be left outdoors unattended for over 30 minutes during weather alerts/storm warnings or if temperatures are below 32°F or above 85°F, unless in a climate-controlled, weather-resistant structure. Dogs cannot be tethered between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Vehicles
Discharging the exhaust of any engine or motor vehicle without an effective muffler or device to prevent loud or explosive noises is prohibited. The use of any vehicle so out of repair, loaded, or operated to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise is forbidden. Unnecessary or unreasonable sounding of horns is also prohibited. The warming up or idling of buses, trucks, or tractors, and unnecessary and repeated idling, acceleration, deceleration, or starting/stopping of automobiles and motorcycles in close proximity to residences between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. constitutes a miscellaneous night noise.
Landscaping Equipment
Operation of power lawn mowers, chain saws, or other internal combustion landscaping equipment (e.g., leaf blowers, vacuums) is prohibited between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. More broadly, power tools, home maintenance tools, landscaping, and/or yard maintenance equipment used by a residential property owner or tenant shall not be operated between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
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