Clay, NY Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

§ 152-4K of Chapter 152, the Town of Clay Noise Ordinance last amended November 18, 2024 by L.L. No. 3-2024, prohibits using 'any musical instrument, radio apparatus or talking machine with loudspeaker or amplifier attached thereto in such a manner that the same shall cause the sound... to be projected outside of any building or out-of-doors,' as well as any such device 'fastened to or connected with any outside wall or window.' The section draws a careful line: playing music inside a house, building or automobile in a reasonable manner is not covered, so long as the sound is not projected directly outside.

It also creates a narrow out-of-doors carve-out for a private recreation area, where amplified sound is permitted only if it 'does not exceed the noise level limits set forth in Table 1.' Table 1 caps steady-state noise at the property line at 52 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., dropping to 45 dB(A) from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Outside a private recreation area, projecting amplified music or a talking-machine speaker outdoors, or wall-mounting a speaker facing outside, violates § 152-4K regardless of the decibel level measured, because the section is a location-and-manner rule layered on top of the numeric Table 1 ceiling.

A special event permit from the Commissioner of Planning and Development under § 152-5 can authorize higher levels for a charitable or public-service event, capped at 12 hours per day and three consecutive days.