Cook County noise enforcement under Chapter 30, Article V uses a reasonableness standard. Illinois EPA Title 35, Part 901 sets statewide decibel limits: 61 dBA daytime and 51 dBA nighttime for residential areas (Class A land).
Cook County Code Chapter 30, Article V uses a general reasonableness standard for noise in unincorporated areas. Illinois EPA regulations (Title 35 IAC Part 901) provide specific decibel limits statewide: Class A land (residential) is limited to 61 dBA daytime (7 AM–10 PM) and 51 dBA nighttime (10 PM–7 AM) from Class C sources. Class B land (commercial) allows 66 dBA day and 56 dBA night. These state standards supplement county enforcement. Measurements are taken at the property line of the receiving land. Octave band analysis may be required for specific frequency complaints. Illinois Pollution Control Board handles appeals.
County noise violation: $100–$1,000 fine. State IEPA violation: enforcement through Illinois Pollution Control Board. Each day constitutes a separate offense.
Chicago, IL
Chicago Building Code Chapter 13-196 requires approved smoke alarms in every residential unit: at least one on each story (including basement), within 15 fee...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Landmark Commission approval is required only for perma...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflator-motor noise after hours is enforced under MCC Section 8-32 (noise), and sidewa...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance regulating residential holiday light display windows or brightness. Property maintenance complaints are handled under MCC Section 13...
Chicago, IL
Chicago requires Department of Buildings permits for outdoor kitchens with gas piping, electrical wiring, or plumbing under MCC Chapter 14A. Trade work must ...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specifically regulating residential smokers or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance is enforced under Chicago Municipal Code Section 11-...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle decibel limits.
See how Chicago's decibel limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.