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

Chapter 164, the Village of Hamburg Noise Ordinance, sets a distance test for amplified sound instead of a decibel reading. Section 164-6 applies anywhere in the village and covers any radio or receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, television set, any other machine or device for producing or reproducing sound, or any other sound-amplifying equipment. Use is unlawful when it is loud, annoying or offensive such that the noise interferes with the comfort, repose, health or safety of members of the public within any building, or, outside a building, at a distance of 25 feet or more from the source. It is also unlawful when the sound interferes with the conversation of members of the public who are 25 feet or more away.

Section 164-3 defines sound-amplifying equipment as any machine or device for the amplification of the human voice, instrumental music or any other sound. Warning devices on authorized emergency vehicles, horns or other warning devices on a vehicle used only for traffic safety, and authorized fire horns or emergency alarms are excluded.

A permit is the legal route for outdoor amplified sound. Under § 164-14(B), anyone who uses or plans to use sound-amplifying equipment that is or will be heard outside a building during daytime hours, defined as 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., must secure a permit, and § 164-14(C) says the same for a public-address system. The application goes to the Village Administrator, and to the Superintendent of Public Works too if it involves work in a public right of way, street or park. The Village Board authorizes permits in its discretion, only where it finds the permit reasonable and necessary and consistent with the purposes of the chapter. The Superintendent of Public Works and the Chief of Police are consulted and can attach conditions on the time and location of the sound source. Every permit states that it applies only to Chapter 164 and quotes Penal Law § 240.20 on disorderly conduct. No permit is issued for a source operating during nighttime hours, which run from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The Board of Trustees of the Village of Hamburg adopted these rules; the Town of Hamburg has its own code.