Clay, NY Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

Chapter 152, the Noise Ordinance of the Town of Clay, adopted May 1, 1978 and amended most recently November 18, 2024 by L.L. No. 3-2024, regulates mechanical noise sources at § 152-4L. The provision bars operating 'any mechanism, device, or equipment including any engine, motor, amplifier, speaker, bell, horn, drum, hoist, pump, exhaust fan, attic fan, air-conditioning apparatus or similar mechanical device' in a manner that creates noise at the offender's property line exceeding the limits in Table 1. Table 1 sets steady-state daytime limits (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) at 52 dB(A) / 59 dB(D), tightening to 45 dB(A) / 52 dB(D) overnight (9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.); transient noise gets more headroom, 72 dB(A) daytime and 65 dB(A) overnight.

Readings are taken with a sound level meter using slow response, and the operator's expert reading of fluctuating levels is treated as valid under the ordinance's note to Table 1. Homeowners get a carve-out under § 152-3: mechanisms used in home and property maintenance, repair and improvement, including lawn mowers and similar tools, are exempt from the chapter's prohibitory clauses if run between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., but that policy exemption does not name air-conditioning apparatus and § 152-4L still applies to HVAC units by name.

The Commissioner of Planning and Development can grant a special event permit under § 152-5 allowing higher levels for up to three consecutive days, not exceeding 12 hours at a time, but that relief runs to charitable and public-service events, not routine HVAC operation. Emergency equipment is exempt from the decibel limits during actual emergency use under § 152-6.