Islip, NY Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Islip, NY, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Zone
- Business District (BD) only
- Use type
- Accessory to restaurant/minor restaurant
- Allowed hours
- 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Daily cap
- 4 hours of live music per day
- Approval needed
- Planning Dept. + Fire Prevention, written
- Extra permit
- Outdoor music permit from Fire Prevention
- Fine
- $250 to $500 per violation
Summary
In Islip's Business District, restaurants may play outdoor music only as an accessory use, only with prior written Planning Department and Fire Prevention approval, only between noon and 10 p.m., and capped at four hours of live music a day.
Outdoor music shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Planning Department and Division of Fire Prevention, which departments may request additional information as they deem necessary to evaluate such request. A fee, according to the fee schedule, is required for this review. Outdoor music shall be further regulated as follows: (a) Outdoor music shall be permitted but shall be limited to acoustic live music or prerecorded music only; outdoor music shall be limited between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; and music shall be limited to a maximum of four hours of live music per day. ... (c) All outdoor music uses are required to secure an outdoor music permit from the Division of Fire Prevention... (e) Penalties for offenses. The violation of any provision of this subsection shall be an offense which shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250 nor greater than $500.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4826765; v112 updated 2026-02-24; through 02-24-2026).
Full Breakdown
Town of Islip Code § 68-259, the accessory-use section for the Business District (BD) zone, lets a restaurant or minor restaurant add outdoor music, but only after clearing two separate gates: prior written approval from the Planning Department and the Division of Fire Prevention (each may demand more information, and a fee applies), plus a dedicated outdoor music permit issued by the Fire Prevention Division itself. , and caps live performance at a maximum of four hours per day. The Department of Planning and Development can additionally require sound attenuation, sound walls, fences or extra landscaping, where the use borders residential property, under § 68-259E(3)(b).
If entertainment is broadcast in a space classified as a place of public assembly under Chapter 19, the operator also needs a separate public assembly permit. The rule sits inside § 68-259E, which governs outside seating generally for BD-zoned restaurants; outdoor music is folded in as one of the conditions attached to that accessory use rather than standing as its own chapter, so a restaurant cannot add speakers or a band without the underlying outside-seating approval already in place.
Violations & Fines
Violating any part of this subsection is an offense punishable by a fine of not less than $250 nor greater than $500 per § 68-259E(3)(e). The Chief Fire Marshal or a designee can also revoke the outdoor music permit for a period the Fire Marshal sets, though the licensee is entitled to a hearing first under § 68-259E(3)(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a restaurant play live music outdoors in Islip?
What hours can outdoor restaurant music run?
Is a separate permit required beyond the zoning approval?
What happens if a restaurant breaks the outdoor music rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Islip
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Suffolk County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.