Montville Proposes New Noise Rules For Yard Work, Construction, Barking Dogs

MONTVILLE, NJ — Montville residents could face new restrictions on noisy yard work, construction and barking dogs under an ordinance scheduled for introduction by the Township Committee.

Ordinance 2026-44 would repeal the township's existing noise regulations and replace them with rules based on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's updated model noise ordinance.

The state's updated model addresses indoor noise limits, sound-producing devices and enforcement procedures, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Rutgers University's Noise Technical Assistance Center.

The proposed regulations would apply to sound originating from residential, commercial and industrial properties, community service facilities, public spaces, public rights-of-way and buildings containing multiple dwelling units.

For residential properties, the proposal establishes outdoor continuous noise limits of 65 decibels from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 decibels from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., measured at or within the receiving property's boundary.

Commercial and community service properties would have a 65-decibel outdoor limit around the clock when receiving noise covered by the ordinance.

Indoor limits would also apply in certain circumstances, including buildings where residential units share walls, floors or ceilings. The proposed residential limits are 55 decibels during the day and 40 decibels overnight.

The ordinance also addresses musical instruments, loudspeakers, radios, televisions and other sound-producing equipment. It sets additional limits on how much such devices may increase noise levels inside a residence.

Under the proposal, power tools, landscaping and yard maintenance equipment on residential properties would face restrictions from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays, unless applicable noise standards are met.

Power tools and landscaping equipment used at commercial, industrial and community service facilities or in public spaces would also be subject to applicable noise standards.

Construction and demolition would face restrictions from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays, with similar exceptions.

Emergency work is excluded from these equipment and construction restrictions. Motorized equipment covered by the provisions would also need properly functioning mufflers or equivalent sound-reduction devices.

The proposal also addresses animal noise, including barking, howling, yelping and squawking that unreasonably disturbs residents across property lines.

Under the ordinance, potential evidence of a violation includes an animal vocalizing continuously for five minutes, averaging at least four vocalizations per minute, or intermittently for 20 minutes, averaging at least two vocalizations per minute.

The ordinance provides a defense when an animal was intentionally provoked into making noise.

Authorized noise control officers and investigators would enforce the rules, issue violation notices and impose fines when necessary.

Noise violations could carry civil penalties of up to $2,000 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense.

For minor violations, there would be 30 to 90 days to fix the issue before any fines are issued. More serious violations, including those involving restricted activities, would need to be corrected immediately to avoid potential fines.

The Township Committee is scheduled to introduce the ordinance Monday, Nov. 16, during its 7 p.m. public meeting.

Residents can review the full proposed ordinance before the meeting.

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