Babylon, NY Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Continuous limit, up to 16 hrs
- 80 dB(A)
- Peak allowance, 15 minutes
- 100 dB(A)
- Impulsive sound cap
- 130 decibels
- Governing section
- § 156-9C(5)
Summary
Property zoned industrial in the Town of Babylon absorbs louder sound than homes or businesses, on a sliding scale that trades volume for time: 100 dB(A) is allowed for a quarter-hour a day, 94 dB(A) for an hour, and 82 dB(A) for 16 hours.
Exposure to sound that has crossed the property line of a sound source site and enters property zoned for industrial use shall not exceed any of the following levels: (a) Continuous sound in air. [Duration Per Day (24 hours) / Sound Level dB(A) Slow Response] — 16: 82; 8: 85; 4: 88; 2: 91; 1: 94; 1/2: 97; 1/4: 100. ... (b) Impulsive sound in air which has a peak pressure level in excess of 130 decibels.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4941158; v66 updated 2026-05-13; through 05-13-2026).
Full Breakdown
Town of Babylon Code § 156-9C(5) sets a duration-based ceiling for sound crossing a property line into land zoned for industrial use: 80 dB(A) is allowed for up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period, rising as exposure time drops, 85 dB(A) for 8 hours, 88 for 4, 91 for 2, 94 for 1, 97 for a half hour and 100 dB(A) for 15 minutes. Impulsive sound entering an industrial zone can't exceed a peak pressure level of 130 decibels. This is the same § 156-9C framework that sets tighter 65/55 dB(A) limits for sound entering residential and business zones.
Violations & Fines
The Town can order abatement under § 156-17; violations are subject to fines or civil penalties under §§ 1-15 through 1-17 per § 156-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are industrial zones held to the same noise limit as homes in the Town of Babylon?
Is there a cap on sudden loud noises like impacts or blasts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Babylon
New York rules heatmap·Compare Babylon to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Suffolk County handle decibel limits.