Macon County, IL Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- AC units
- Exempt if kept in good repair
- Governing section
- § 94.07(C)
- Condition
- Must meet factory noise specs
- Not covered
- Radios/entertainment devices on equipment
- Underlying limits
- 60 dBA day / 55 dBA night, § 94.06
Summary
Unincorporated Macon County exempts air conditioners and other powered maintenance equipment from Chapter 94's noise limits under Macon County Code § 94.07(C), provided the unit is kept in good repair and would not itself exceed the chapter's standards when new.
(C) Powered equipment. Powered equipment, such as air conditioners, lawn mowers, small lawn and garden tools, riding tractors, and snow removal equipment which is necessary for the maintenance of property, is kept in good repair and maintenance, and which equipment, when new, would not comply with the standards set forth in this chapter, shall be exempted. Good repair for the purpose of this exemption shall be when the equipment at issue is in a condition that meets factory specifications and is properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise. However, the use of radios or other sound/ entertainment devices on such equipment shall not be exempted if listened to at a level otherwise violating the terms of this chapter.
Full Breakdown
06. The exemption has two conditions: the equipment must be necessary for maintaining the property, and it must be kept in good repair, meaning it is maintained to factory specifications so it does not produce excessive or unusual noise. The ordinance specifically states that equipment which, when new, would not have complied with the chapter's standards is still exempt, so an older, noisier air-conditioning unit is not automatically a violation simply because a brand-new unit would run quieter. 06 remains a violation. 07 exemptions apply chapter-wide, this HVAC carve-out sits alongside the same section's exemptions for emergency operations, community events, agricultural equipment, motor vehicles and daytime construction noise.
Violations & Fines
Because § 94.07(C) exempts properly maintained air conditioners and similar maintenance equipment, running one does not trigger the $50-$500 first-offense fine under § 94.99(A). A unit that is poorly maintained and produces excessive or unusual noise beyond factory specifications loses the exemption and can be cited under § 94.06 like any other noise source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my air conditioner exempt from the county noise ordinance?
Can a poorly maintained AC unit still be cited?
Does the exemption cover a speaker or radio attached to the unit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Macon County
Compare Macon County to another location·View the Illinois noise from specific sources overview
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