Santa Fe, NM Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Santa Fe, NM?
| Regulation | Details for Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 9PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 505-428-3710 |
9:00 PM to 7:00 AM
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Santa Fe, NM Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Santa Fe, NM?
Santa Fe, NM, enforces its noise ordinance, Chapter 10, Article 2 of the City Code, to maintain peace. It prohibits excessive noise, with quiet hours generally from 9 PM to 7 AM. Specific decibel limits apply to various sources, including construction equipment and vehicles. Violations can lead to fines starting at $200 for a first offense.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified; noise disturbance exceeds 15 dBA above ambient sound (L90) | Not specified; noise disturbance exceeds 15 dBA above ambient sound (L90) |
| Commercial | Not specified; noise disturbance exceeds 15 dBA above ambient sound (L90) | Not specified; noise disturbance exceeds 15 dBA above ambient sound (L90) |
Note: A noise disturbance is unlawful if it creates a tenth percentile sound pressure level (L10) greater than 15 dBA above the ambient sound pressure level (L90) for at least 10 minutes. Stationary sources are unlawful if they exceed 10 dBA greater than levels set for receiving zones. Construction equipment has a limit of 80 dBA at 25 feet in residential/commercial zones, and 88 dBA in other areas. Refuse compacting vehicles are limited to 79 dBA at 25 feet.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction, repair, alteration, or demolition work is prohibited in residential and commercial zone areas between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Outdoor construction in industrial zoned areas is also prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Construction equipment must not exceed 80 dBA at 25 feet in residential/commercial zones, or 88 dBA in other areas.
- Amplified Sound:
Operating loudspeakers, public address systems, or similar devices in a manner that creates a noise disturbance between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if plainly audible at the property boundary of the source, or if it violates zone district noise levels.
- Animals:
Animal noise complaints are handled through the Santa Fe Police Department's non-emergency dispatch. [cite: 9 in previous search]
- Vehicles:
Unnecessary sounding of horns or signaling devices is prohibited. Operating any vehicle, by disrepair or manner of operation, that causes a noise disturbance or violates zone district noise levels is prohibited. Muffler cutouts, bypasses, straight-through mufflers without baffles (e.g., glass packs, steel packs, straight pipes), or similar devices are prohibited. Factory-installed exhaust options are prohibited if the noise emitted exceeds decibel levels described in Section 10.2-9. Stationary motor vehicles or auxiliary equipment causing a noise disturbance in a residential zone for longer than 10 minutes are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Fe, NM Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Santa Fe, NM?
9:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Santa Fe, NM?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified; noise disturbance exceeds 15 dBA above ambient sound (L90) during the day and Not specified; noise disturbance exceeds 15 dBA above ambient sound (L90) at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Santa Fe, NM?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Santa Fe, NM police non-emergency line at 505-428-3710. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 505-955-6150.