Islip's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In Islip, New York, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Decibel Limits

Beyond the specific noises Chapter 35 already bans, the Town of Islip enforces a general ceiling: no source of sound, on any category of property or public right-of-way, may exceed the A-weighted decibel limits Noise Control Table 1 sets for that property type, measured at the boundary of the property receiving the sound, under § 35-4(A).

Key details: Standard type: property-line sound-level ceiling. Limit source: Noise Control Table 1 (chapter attachment). Measurement point: receiving property's boundary line. Heavy equipment/construction exempt: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays. Also exempt: religious observances, emergency signals.

A Table 1 exceedance carries the same Chapter 35 schedule as any other noise violation under § 35-6: $100-$500 for a first offense, $500-$1,000 for a second, and $1,000-$1,500 for each offense thereafter, plus up to 15 days' imprisonment for any offense in addition to the fine.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

In Islip's Business District, restaurants may play outdoor music only as an accessory use, only with prior written Planning Department and Fire Prevention approval, only between noon and 10 p.m., and capped at four hours of live music a day.

Key details: Zone: Business District (BD) only. Use type: Accessory to restaurant/minor restaurant. Allowed hours: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Daily cap: 4 hours of live music per day. Approval needed: Planning Dept. + Fire Prevention, written.

Violating any part of this subsection is an offense punishable by a fine of not less than $250 nor greater than $500 per § 68-259E(3)(e). The Chief Fire Marshal or a designee can also revoke the outdoor music permit for a period the Fire Marshal sets, though the licensee is entitled to a hearing first under § 68-259E(3)(d).

This is one of the stricter rules in Islip's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Construction Hours

Code of the Town of Islip § 35-3G bars operating a pile driver, pneumatic hammer, derrick, electric hoist, bulldozer, grinder or similar heavy equipment in a way that creates a noise disturbance, except between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays or in cases of urgent necessity or public safety.

Key details: Governing section: § 35-3G, Heavy equipment. Allowed hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. weekdays. Weekday includes: Monday through Saturday. Exception: Urgent necessity or public safety. First-offense fine: $100 to $500.

A first § 35-3G offense is fined $100 to $500 under § 35-6, a second is fined $500 to $1,000, and a third or later offense is fined $1,000 to $1,500: with any offense also exposing the operator to up to 15 days in jail.

Vehicle Noise

Code of the Town of Islip § 35-3E makes it a violation to operate or idle any automobile, truck, motorcycle, motorboat, minibike or all-terrain-vehicle engine in a way that creates a noise disturbance. The rule covers running engines and stationary idling alike, with no decibel reading required to cite it.

Key details: Governing section: § 35-3E, Engines. Covers: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, motorboats, ATVs. Includes: Stationary idling, not just driving. First-offense fine: $100 to $500. Max fine, repeat offense: $1,000 to $1,500.

A first offense under § 35-3E draws a fine of $100 to $500 under § 35-6; a second offense runs $500 to $1,000; a third or later offense runs $1,000 to $1,500. Any offense can also bring up to 15 days of imprisonment in addition to the fine.

Barking Dogs

Code of the Town of Islip § 35-3D makes it a violation to keep any animal or bird whose barking, howling or squawking causes public annoyance or creates a noise disturbance. The rule applies at any hour, covers any animal or bird, and is enforced the same way as every other Chapter 35 noise violation.

Key details: Governing section: § 35-3D, Animals and birds. First-offense fine: $100 to $500. Repeat-offense fine: Up to $1,000 to $1,500. Max jail term: 15 days per offense. Proof standard: Two sworn affidavits or officer observation.

A first § 35-3D violation carries a fine of $100 to $500 under § 35-6; a second offense raises that to $500 to $1,000; a third or subsequent offense carries $1,000 to $1,500. Any violation, on top of the fine, can also draw up to 15 days in jail.

Leaf Blower Rules

Leaf blowers, lawn mowers and other domestic power equipment in the Town of Islip may only run when the noise disturbs no one, and even then only between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays or 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Sundays under Town Code § 35-3(M). Golf-course maintenance crews are exempt entirely.

Key details: Weekday hours: 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.. Sunday hours: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.. Golf course maintenance: exempt since 2023. First-offense fine: $100-$500. Repeat-offense fine: up to $1,500.

Chapter 35 violations are punishable under § 35-6: a fine of $100 to $500 for a first offense, $500 to $1,000 for a second, and $1,000 to $1,500 for every offense after that, plus up to 15 days' imprisonment in addition to any fine. Each out-of-hours run can be charged as a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Islip's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Islip is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Islip's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.