Cheektowaga, NY Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Town Code § 166-5H
- Covers
- HVAC apparatus, pumps, fans, other machinery
- Numeric ceiling
- 55-75 dBA per Table I, § 166-6
- Variance available
- Apply to Town Board, § 166-11
- First-offense fine
- Up to $250 or 15 days jail
Summary
Running an air-conditioning unit, pump, fan, or other mechanical device so it creates a noise disturbance above Table I's sound limits violates Code § 166-5H. The rule reaches both fixed HVAC equipment and other machinery, measured in dB(A) at the real property boundary under § 166-6.
H. Machinery. The operation of any machinery, equipment, pump, fan, air-conditioning apparatus or other mechanical device in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance which exceeds maximum permissible sound levels in Table I herein.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4996449; v35 updated 2026-05-26; through 05-26-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 166-5H, one of the Noise Law's specific prohibitions, makes it a violation to operate any machinery, equipment, pump, fan, air-conditioning apparatus, or other mechanical device in a manner that creates a noise disturbance exceeding the maximum permissible sound levels in Table I, referenced back to § 166-6. ) and 50 dBA overnight, while sources on business or manufacturing land may run to 65 or 75 dBA depending on zoning and time. 'Noise disturbance' is defined at § 166-3 as sound that annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivity, or that is loud, unusual, and audible outside the structure or property line where it originates.
is presumptive evidence of noncompliance under § 166-8A. A resident can seek a variance for equipment that cannot practically meet the limits by filing an application with the Town Board under § 166-11.
Violations & Fines
A first conviction for exceeding the machinery noise limits carries a fine up to $250, up to 15 days in jail, or both, under § 166-13A. The property owner or person controlling the equipment when the violation occurs is separately liable, and each day the air conditioner, pump, fan, or other device runs above the Table I limit is a distinct offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my neighbor's air conditioner be reported for being too loud?
What can a business do if its HVAC equipment cannot meet the noise limit?
How is HVAC noise measured for enforcement purposes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cheektowaga
New York rules heatmap·Compare Cheektowaga to another location·View the New York noise from specific sources overview
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