New York, NY Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in New York, 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
- Commercial Music Code
- NYC Admin. Code Sec. 24-231
- Indoor Limit
- 42 dB(A) inside nearby residence
- Bass Limit
- 45 dB in 63-500 Hz one-third octave band
- Sound Devices
- Sec. 24-244 (unless Sec. 10-108 permit)
- First-Offense Grace
- No penalty if corrected and certified within 30 days
Summary
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-231, music from a commercial establishment may not exceed 42 dB(A) measured inside any nearby residential dwelling unit, nor 45 dB in any one-third octave band between 63 and 500 hertz (the bass standard). Separately, Sec. 24-244 bars operating any sound-reproduction device so as to create unreasonable noise or for street advertising.
Sec. 24-231 Commercial music. (a) No person shall make or cause or permit to be made or caused any music originating from or in connection with the operation of any commercial establishment or enterprise when the level of sound attributable to such music, as measured inside any receiving property dwelling unit: (1) is in excess of 42 dB(A) as measured with a sound level meter; or (2) is in excess of 45 dB in any one-third octave band having a center frequency between 63 hertz and 500 hertz (the ANSI preferred frequencies). ... Sec. 24-244 (a) Except as otherwise provided in section 10-108 of the code, no person shall operate or use or cause to be operated or used any sound reproduction device in such a manner as to create unreasonable noise.
Full Breakdown
The Noise Code regulates amplified and commercial music through two key sections. Section 24-231 ('Commercial music') prohibits any person from making, causing, or permitting music originating from or in connection with a commercial establishment (bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels) when the sound attributable to that music, measured inside any receiving-property dwelling unit, exceeds 42 dB(A), or exceeds 45 dB in any one-third octave band having a center frequency between 63 and 500 hertz. , commercial-establishment sound may not exceed 7 dB over ambient, and pervasive bass is weighted on the 'C' scale (not to exceed 6 dB(C) above ambient where ambient exceeds 62 dB(C)).
Section 24-244 ('Sound reproduction devices') separately prohibits operating any sound-reproduction device (speakers, stereos, boom boxes) so as to create unreasonable noise, except where a permit has been issued under Sec. 10-108, and broadly bars using such devices for commercial advertising on streets, sidewalks, vehicles, stands, aircraft, or boats. As a compliance incentive, the Commissioner may recommend no penalty for a first commercial-music offense if the establishment corrects the condition and certifies the fix within 30 days.
Violations & Fines
Commercial-music violations are issued by DEP/NYPD and adjudicated at OATH/ECB. The Commissioner may recommend no civil penalty for a first Sec. 24-231 violation if, within 30 days, the respondent admits liability and certifies that permanent improvements bring the establishment into compliance; uncorrected or repeat violations carry escalating civil penalties and can result in sealing of the sound equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a bar or restaurant play music in NYC?
Do I need a permit for amplified sound in public?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
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