Cicero, IL Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Sec. 38-30 of the Town of Cicero Code of Ordinances is the code's one section with an objective, measurable sound standard rather than a subjective 'unreasonable noise' test. It applies only to areas zoned R-1 and R-2 under the town's separately published zoning ordinance. The section adopts the noise pollution control regulations passed by the state pollution control board on July 26, 1973, effective August 9, 1973, as published in Pollution Control Board Newsletter number 70, as the town's own standard for measuring sound from window air conditioners and central air conditioning condenser units.

m. Sound pressure level measurements must be taken at the property lot line of the receiving land, following American National Standards Institute and Society of Automotive Engineers practices. The section separately bars placing a unit so its exhaust blows into a neighboring building's window or opening, and requires all units to sit on rubber shock mounts to minimize vibration. 00 per offense, and a violation is presumed willful once the commissioner of public health or building commissioner has given written notice and the owner fails to correct it or stop using the unit; the town attorney can also bring a civil abatement action.