New York, NY Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in New York, NY, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- NYC Admin. Code Sec. 24-222
- Permitted Hours
- Weekdays 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Weekend Exception
- 1-2 family owner-occupied, Sat/Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m., >300 ft from house of worship
- After-Hours Permit
- Sec. 24-223 (DOB/DOT authorization)
- Noise Plan
- Required at every site (Sec. 24-220)
Summary
Under Admin. Code Sec. 24-222, construction work is unlawful except on weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Limited weekend work (Sat/Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) is allowed only for owner-occupied one- or two-family homes located more than 300 feet from a house of worship; all other after-hours work needs an authorization.
Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, it shall be unlawful to engage in or to cause or permit any person to engage in construction work other than on weekdays between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. A person may however perform construction work in connection with the alteration or repair of an existing one or two family owner-occupied dwelling classified in occupancy group J-3 or a convent or rectory on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. provided that such dwelling is located more than 300 feet from a house of worship.
Full Breakdown
m. , provided the dwelling is more than 300 feet from a house of worship. on weekdays, or on weekends requires an after-hours authorization from the Department of Buildings or Department of Transportation under Sec. 24-223, available only for emergency work, work that cannot be done during normal hours, qualifying City projects, minimal-noise activities, or a certified undue-hardship claim with an approved alternative noise mitigation plan. Separately, Sec. 24-220 requires every contractor to adopt and implement a noise mitigation plan for each construction site, which must be on site and is reviewed if complaints arise. Containers and construction material handling that exceeds ambient by more than 10 dB measured 15 feet from the source is prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Working outside permitted hours without an after-hours authorization, or without a required noise mitigation plan, is a Noise Code violation enforced by DEP (with DOB/DOT for permits) and adjudicated at OATH/ECB. Penalties escalate for repeat offenses, and the Department may issue stop-work-type enforcement in conjunction with DOB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can construction happen in NYC?
How do I get an after-hours construction variance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
How New York compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·New York rules heatmap·Compare New York to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview
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