Oneida, NY Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime residential 31.5 Hz limit
- 78 decibels at the lot line
- Nighttime residential 31.5 Hz limit
- 75 decibels at the lot line
- Overall daytime residential limit
- 65 dBA
- Governing law
- City of Oneida Code Ch. 98, adopted 1990
- First-offense penalty
- Fine up to $250
- Repeat-offense penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine or 1 year jail
Summary
The City of Oneida caps low-frequency noise, including bass from stereos and sound systems, at fixed octave-band sound pressure levels measured at the property line. Under City of Oneida Code Chapter 98, the 31.5 Hz band, the lowest band the code regulates and the one bass frequencies fall into, may not exceed 78 decibels in a residential district by day or 75 decibels at night.
A. No person shall create or cause to be emitted any noise which, when measured at any lot line in a residential district, exceeds the following standards: (1) From 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.: (a) Airborne sound in excess of 65 dBA's; or (b) Airborne sound which has an octave band sound pressure level in decibels which exceeds the values listed below in one or more octave bands: Octave Band Center Frequency (Hz) Octave Band Sound Pressure Level (dB) 31.5 78 63 73 ... (2) From 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.: (a) Airborne sound which has a sound level in excess of 50 dBA's; or (b) Airborne sound which has an octave band sound pressure level which exceeds the values listed below in one or more octave bands: Octave Band Center Frequency (Hz) Octave Band Sound Pressure Level (dB) 31.5 75 63 70
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4996966; v33 updated 2026-07-07; through 07-07-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 98 of the City of Oneida Code, adopted by the Common Council on June 19, 1990 by Ordinance No. 90-05, sets numeric noise limits rather than leaving bass complaints to a vague standard. 5 Hz center frequency, the band that carries deep bass from subwoofers, car audio and sound systems, is 78 decibels. 5 Hz ceiling drops to 75 decibels. 5 Hz. Section 98-2 separately presumes any sound-reproducing device, radio, phonograph, television or musical instrument, to be unreasonable noise if it is plainly audible 50 feet from the source, giving police an audibility test before resorting to the octave-band table.
Section 98-5 exempts routine daytime lawn and construction equipment, church bells, public celebrations and aircraft, but does not exempt amplified bass. Enforcement runs through Code Enforcement and the Police Department under Section 98-6.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of Chapter 98 is a fine up to $250. A second violation by the same person within one year is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to one year, or both, under Section 98-6. The City may also bring a civil proceeding to enjoin ongoing bass or sound-system noise rather than wait for a criminal conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oneida regulate bass noise from stereos or subwoofers?
What is the penalty for a bass noise complaint in Oneida?
Are commercial districts held to the same bass noise limit as residential neighborhoods?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oneida
New York rules heatmap·Compare Oneida to another location·View the New York noise from specific sources overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.