The Resolution Path
1. Local Ordinance
2. Document Evidence
3. Resolve Dispute
The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Santa Fe, NM
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"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."
AI Executive Summary
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.
Specific Noise 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.
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