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Aurora, IL Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Restricted hours
9 p.m.-6 a.m.
Covers
Internal combustion engine noise
Standard
Unreasonably loud, heard at property line
First-offense fine
$250 minimum

Summary

Aurora, Illinois (Kane County) treats loud generator and other internal-combustion-engine noise as a per se violation in residential or noise-sensitive areas between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. if heard across the property line.

Blowers, and similar devices: In residential or noise sensitive areas, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day, the operation of any noise-creating blower, power fan, or any internal combustion engine, the operation of which causes noise due to the explosion of operating gases, fuels, or fluids, provided that the noise is unreasonably loud and raucous and can be heard across the property line of the property from which it emanates. This subsection shall not apply to snow blowers and other snow removal machinery nor to landscaping operations conducted on golf courses. Commercial establishments. Unreasonably loud and raucous noise from the premises of any commercial establishment, including any outdoor area which is part of or under the control of the establishment, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day which is plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from any residential property. Unlawful Fireworks: Noise produced by the detonation or explosion of fireworks in violation of sec. 29-30 of this code. (Ord. No. O04-57, § 1, 5-25-04; Ord. No. O04-68, § 1, 6-29-04; Ord. No. O19-012, § 1 (Exh. A), 3-26-19)

HISTORY Amended by Ord. O21-054 on 10/12/2021 Sec 29-205.1 Loud Or Unruly Gathering; Public Nuisance

Full Breakdown

The same Code § 29-205 blower provision reaches generators: it bars operating 'any noise-creating blower, power fan, or any internal combustion engine' whose noise comes from the explosion of operating gases, fuels, or fluids, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following day in residential or noise-sensitive areas anywhere in the city, Kane County or the DuPage, Will, and Kendall County portions alike, provided the sound is unreasonably loud and raucous and audible across the property line. There is no blanket generator ban; daytime or quiet nighttime use is fine. First-offense fines start at $250.

Violations & Fines

Minimum $250 fine for a first offense, $500 for a second within a year, $1,000 for a third or later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a generator overnight in Aurora during a power outage?
The noise rule still applies: engine noise isn't automatically exempt during an outage, so keep it from being unreasonably loud and audible at the property line between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Is there a decibel limit for generators in Aurora?
No specific decibel number: the ordinance bars generator noise that is unreasonably loud and raucous and audible across the property line at night instead.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Aurora

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