Irondequoit, NY Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Town of Irondequoit Code § 160-18D(3) sets the one decibel standard in Chapter 160: no sound emanating from sound-amplifying equipment shall exceed 15 dB(A) above the ambient as measured at any property line. Section 160-3 defines the A scale as the measurement approximating the auditory sensitivity of the human ear, measured with a sound-level meter using the A-weighing network, with dB(A) as the unit. It defines decibel against a reference pressure of 0.002 microbar. Sound-amplifying equipment means any machine or device for amplifying the human voice, music or any other sound, and excludes standard automobile radios heard only by the vehicle's occupants.

The limit sits inside the registration scheme for loudspeakers and sound trucks used on streets, alleys, sidewalks, parks or public property. The user files a registration statement with the Town Clerk at least five days before use, stating the wattage, the volume in decibels and the approximate distance the sound will be audible. The Town Clerk approves it unless the Chief of Police finds a traffic-safety detriment or the statement shows the applicant cannot comply with the chapter. A disapproved applicant can appeal to the Town Board within five days. Commercial use pays a fee established under § 1-18 for each day or portion of a day; noncommercial use pays none.

Section 160-18D adds companion limits: only music or human speech is permitted; operation is limited to 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day; on Sundays and legal holidays commercial use is not permitted and noncommercial use runs only from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and it is unlawful to operate such equipment within 200 feet of churches, schools or hospitals unless they operate it.

There is no zone-by-zone or day-and-night decibel table. Ordinary noise is tested by § 160-4's excessive noise factors, and the Chief of Police sets measurement procedures under § 160-20B.