Amplified music rules in Kings County, NY — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
NYC Admin Code §24-231 bars amplified sound in public places without an NYPD Sound Device Permit. Bar and residential music cannot exceed 42 dB(A) inside a neighboring dwelling.
Amplified music in Brooklyn is tightly governed by the NYC Noise Code (NYC Admin Code §24-231 and §24-218). Operating a sound-reproduction device in any public place — sidewalks, parks, stoops — requires a Sound Device Permit issued by the NYPD precinct commander, which is typically limited in duration and prohibited within 500 feet of a school, courthouse, or hospital while in session. For commercial establishments such as bars, restaurants, and music venues in Williamsburg, Bushwick, Bed-Stuy, and elsewhere, bass-heavy music is a common 311 complaint. The code establishes that music from a commercial establishment cannot exceed 42 dB(A) as measured inside any nearby residence, or 7 dB(A) above ambient street noise between 10 PM and 7 AM. Residential amplified music (home stereos, house parties, amplified instruments) that is 'plainly audible' inside a neighbor's dwelling during quiet hours is a violation. DEP inspectors respond to 311 complaints and can issue summonses to venues; repeat offenders risk losing their liquor license through the State Liquor Authority.
Residential first offense: $70 to $175. Commercial establishment: $350 to $1,400 first offense, up to $8,000 for repeat violations. No-permit amplification in public: $350 minimum.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn fence height, placement, and visibility rules are governed by NYC Zoning Resolution §23-44 and DOB Building Code, with extra rules in landmark distr...
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn pools must be enclosed by a self-closing, self-latching barrier at least 4 feet high per NYC Building Code and Health Code §165.57.
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn fences under 6 feet in rear/side yards and under 4 feet in front yards generally do not require a DOB permit, but zoning and landmark rules still ap...
Kings County, NY
Retaining walls over 4 feet or supporting a surcharge require DOB permits and licensed professional design in Brooklyn under NYC Building Code.
Kings County, NY
Feeding pigeons, squirrels, raccoons, or other wildlife that creates unsanitary conditions is prohibited in Brooklyn under NYC Health Code §153.09.
Kings County, NY
Brooklyn residents may keep backyard hens, but roosters, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigs, goats, and sheep are prohibited under NYC Health Code §161.01.
See how Kings County's amplified music & events rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.