New York, NY Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- NYC Admin. Code § 24-228.1
- Linked noise standard
- 85 dB(A) at 50 feet from source
- Enforcement agency
- Dept. of Environmental Protection
- Hearing body
- Environmental Control Board
- Penalty range (typical)
- $875-$2,625 per violation
Summary
New York City treats generator exhaust as a regulated noise source: any device, generators included, whose exhaust creates unreasonable noise violates the Administrative Code, measured against the same decibel limits set for construction equipment.
No person shall cause or permit discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any device, including but not limited to any steam engine, diesel engine, internal combustion engine, power tools, compressors or turbine engine, so as to create an unreasonable noise. For the purposes of this section unreasonable noise shall include but shall not be limited to sound that exceeds the prohibited noise levels set forth in section 24-228.
Full Breakdown
Administrative Code section 24-228.1 bars discharging the exhaust of any internal combustion engine, generators included, into the open air so as to create unreasonable noise, and ties that standard to the decibel limits fixed in section 24-228: sound exceeding 85 dB(A) measured 50 feet from the source, or sound 10 dB(A) above ambient inside a residential unit between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. The Department of Environmental Protection investigates noise complaints, and the Environmental Control Board can fine the generator's owner and order the unit sealed until it is fixed.
Violations & Fines
DEP inspectors measure sound levels on complaint; the Environmental Control Board can fine the owner and order a noisy generator sealed until repaired, with penalties escalating on repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a portable generator in my NYC backyard?
Who enforces generator noise complaints in NYC?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
New York rules heatmap·Compare New York to another location·View the New York noise from specific sources overview
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