Chicago, IL Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime limit (100 ft)
- 55 dB(A)
- Nighttime limit (10 ft)
- 70 dB(A)
- Restricted hours
- 8:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m.
- Enforcing office
- Chief Sustainability Officer
- First-offense fine
- $1,000-$5,000
Summary
Chicago caps HVAC and refrigeration unit noise at 55 dB(A) from 100 feet, enforced nightly from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
No person shall operate or permit operation of any mechanical stationary equipment in such a manner as to generate sound having a sound pressure level greater than 55 dB(A) when measured from a distance of 100 feet or more from the mechanical stationary equipment, or 70 dB(A) when measured from a distance of 10 feet or more from the mechanical stationary equipment. The place of measurement shall be a location that is not on the same parcel of real property or premises on which the mechanical stationary equipment is located.
(b) Where mechanical stationary equipment is located on multiple buildings, structures, parcels of real property, or premises that have the same owner and are adjacent to each other, the owner is responsible for ensuring that the mechanical stationary equipment does not generate sound having a sound pressure level in violation of this section. The place of measurement shall be from a location that is not on any parcel of real property or premises on which the mechanical stationary equipment is located.
(c) The limitation contained in this section shall apply from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., unless the mechanical stationary equipment is subject to other operating hours pursuant to a permit or other written authorization issued by the Department of the Environment.
(d) The Chief Sustainability Officer shall have authority to enforce this section.
(e) The Chief Sustainability Officer is authorized to promulgate rules to
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-74: Current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under MCC § 8-32-090, no one may operate mechanical stationary equipment, a category that expressly includes air handling units and refrigeration units, i.e. central air conditioners, condensers and compressors, so it generates sound above 55 dB(A) measured 100 feet or more away, or 70 dB(A) measured at 10 feet or more, from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily. The measurement point must be off the equipment owner's own parcel. Owners of adjacent same-owner parcels share responsibility for compliance. The Chief Sustainability Officer enforces this section and can issue rules for uniform noise mitigation on air handling and refrigeration units; equipment maintained to those rules is deemed compliant. Emergency backup generators during a power outage are exempt.
Violations & Fines
First offense $1,000-$5,000; each additional day a separate offense; owners and operators jointly and severally liable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Chicago HVAC noise limit apply during the day?
Are backup generators covered by this limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
Compare Chicago to another location·View the Illinois noise from specific sources overview
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