Oyster Bay, NY Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Oyster Bay, 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
- Governing sections
- Town Code § 156-4.B(1) and (2)
- Weeknight hours
- 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Sunday/holiday hours
- 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. (radios)
- Vehicle/boat threshold
- Disruption at ~50 feet
- Standard used
- "Noise disruption," § 156-2
- First-offense fine
- Up to $350
Summary
Radios, stereos, musical instruments and sound amplifiers cannot create a noise disruption across a property line between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. on weeknights or 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Sundays and holidays, and loudspeakers or PA systems face the same nighttime restriction at all hours in public spaces.
(1) Radios, television sets, musical instruments and similar devices. (a) Operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier or similar device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound: [1] Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. the previous day to 8:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 p.m. the previous day to 9:00 a.m. on Sunday or Holidays in such a manner as to create a noise disruption across a real property boundary or within a noise-sensitive zone. (2) Loudspeakers and public address systems. Using or operating for any purpose any loudspeaker, public address system or similar device such that the sound therefrom creates a noise disruption across real property boundary or within a noise sensitive zone or between the hours of 10:00 p.m. the previous day to 8:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 p.m. the previous day to 9:00 a.m. on Sunday or Holidays on a public right-of-way or public space.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4036544; v24 updated 2023-03-07; through 03-07-2023).
Full Breakdown
m. on Sunday or holidays, whenever it creates a "noise disruption" across a real property boundary or inside a designated noise-sensitive zone. The same clause separately bars amplified sound that disrupts at approximately 50 feet from a device operated in a vehicle on a public right-of-way or in a boat on public waters, and bars amplified sound disruptive to any passenger other than the operator on a common carrier. m. Sundays and holidays when operated in a public right-of-way or public space. Both provisions turn on the chapter's "noise disruption" standard defined at Section 156-2 as sound interfering with the reasonable and normal activities of a person of normal sensitivity occupying an adjacent area, so enforcement does not require a decibel meter reading; an officer's or investigator's assessment of disruption to a specific neighbor or passerby is sufficient.
The Department of Planning and Development reviews private projects likely to violate the chapter, and either that department or the Department of Public Works can investigate a complaint and issue a summons under Section 156-3.
Violations & Fines
Violating the amplified-sound rules is punishable under Section 156-8 by a fine up to $350 for a first offense, $350-$700 for a second offense within five years, and $700-$1,000 for a third or later offense within five years, with imprisonment up to six months possible, and each week of continued violation constitutes a separate additional offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oyster Bay set a decibel limit for stereos or car speakers?
Are outdoor loudspeakers and PA systems separately regulated?
What hours apply to amplified sound on Sundays in Oyster Bay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oyster Bay
New York rules heatmap·Compare Oyster Bay to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview
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