Troy, NY Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

The code printed for the City of Troy, New York never uses the words bass, subwoofer or low frequency. Thump from a car stereo, speaker or sound system is instead reached by three provisions of Chapter 201, enacted by the Troy City Council.

First, § 201-3(B) sets maximum sound-pressure levels at any lot line by octave band. The lowest band in Table I, 0 to 75 cycles per second, is limited to 69 decibels. That band is the first row of the table, ahead of 75 to 150 cycles per second at 60 decibels. Where a use adjoins a residential or transitional district at the district boundary, § 201-3(B)(2) reduces the maximum levels in all octave bands by six decibels. Measurement is by a sound-level meter with an associated octave-band analyzer.

Second, § 201-4(J) bars operating, playing or permitting any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier or similar device that produces, reproduces or amplifies sound so as to produce unreasonable or unnecessary noise at any time. The exception is for activities open to the public or for the public benefit with permission granted by the City.

Third, § 201-4(P) covers noise from parties, entertainment, music or social gatherings, public or private, at fraternities and sororities, dormitories, private clubs, meeting halls and private residences. That noise cannot be heard inside any residence between 11:00 p.m. and 12:00 noon the following day, regardless of whether the windows are open, and at any other time it is barred if unnecessary or unreasonable under the circumstances. Section 201-3(A) adds that the time of day and night, the proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities and whether it is recurrent, intermittent or constant count in deciding a violation.