Chicago, IL Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Limit at 100+ ft
- 55 dB(A)
- Limit at 10+ ft
- 70 dB(A)
- Hours enforced
- 8 p.m.-8 a.m.
- Enforcing office
- Chief Sustainability Officer
- Fine range
- $1,000-$5,000 per offense
Summary
Chicago caps mechanical stationary equipment noise at 55 dB(A) from 100 feet or 70 dB(A) from 10 feet, enforced nightly 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
No person shall operate or permit operation of any mechanical stationary equipment in such a manner as to generate sound having a sound pressure level greater than 55 dB(A) when measured from a distance of 100 feet or more from the mechanical stationary equipment, or 70 dB(A) when measured from a distance of 10 feet or more from the mechanical stationary equipment. The place of measurement shall be a location that is not on the same parcel of real property or premises on which the mechanical stationary equipment is located.
(b) Where mechanical stationary equipment is located on multiple buildings, structures, parcels of real property, or premises that have the same owner and are adjacent to each other, the owner is responsible for ensuring that the mechanical stationary equipment does not generate sound having a sound pressure level in violation of this section. The place of measurement shall be from a location that is not on any parcel of real property or premises on which the mechanical stationary equipment is located.
(c) The limitation contained in this section shall apply from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., unless the mechanical stationary equipment is subject to other operating hours pursuant to a permit or other written authorization issued by the Department of the Environment.
(d) The Chief Sustainability Officer shall have authority to enforce this section.
(e) The Chief Sustainability Officer is authorized to promulgate rules to
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-74: Current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under MCC 8-32-090, no one may run mechanical stationary equipment -- air handling units, refrigeration units, generators, and similar fixed machinery -- so it produces sound above 55 dB(A) measured 100 feet or more away, or 70 dB(A) measured 10 feet or more away, with readings taken off the source property. The cap applies from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. unless the Department of the Environment has issued a permit setting different operating hours. Owners of adjacent same-owner parcels share responsibility for compliance, and the Chief Sustainability Officer can adopt uniform mitigation rules for HVAC and refrigeration gear; equipment maintained under those rules is deemed compliant. Emergency generators running during a power outage are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Fines of $1,000 to $5,000 per offense, with each day of violation a separate offense; owners and operators are jointly and severally liable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the noise limit apply all day?
Are backup generators covered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
Compare Chicago to another location·View the Illinois noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle decibel limits.