Irondequoit, NY Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)

Town of Irondequoit Code § 160-15 is the Town's rule on noisy mechanical equipment, and it is the provision that reaches a portable or standby generator. The text never uses the word generator. It bars operating any machinery, equipment, pump, fan, air-conditioning apparatus, lawn mower or similar mechanical device which creates excessive noise at the property line of the premises upon which it is used, between 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. A generator is machinery or equipment, so a unit running overnight that is excessively loud at the lot line falls inside the wording. The window ends at 9:00 a.m., two hours later than the 7:00 a.m. end of the construction rule in § 160-10.

Two tests have to be met together: the clock window and excessive noise measured at the property line. Section 160-3 defines excessive noise as any sound which endangers or injures the safety or health of humans or animals, annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivity, or endangers or injures personal or real property. Section 160-4B lists the factors weighed, among them volume, intensity, the volume of background noise, proximity to residential sleeping facilities, density of inhabitation, time of day, duration and whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent or constant. The chapter prints no decibel number for equipment, so the Chief of Police applies the measurement standards and testing procedures developed under § 160-20B.

Section 160-15 as printed contains no exemption, permit or variance for equipment running in the window. The variance process in § 160-10 covers construction activities only. Outside 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., the general ban on excessive noise in § 160-4A still applies, and § 160-11 separately protects schools, churches, courts, hospitals and nursing homes. Loudspeakers and amplifiers fall under § 160-18 instead.