NYC Admin Code Title 24 Chapter 2 sets tiered dBA limits in Manhattan: 45 dBA interior night residential, 50 dBA day, 7 to 10 dBA above ambient commercial, with Type 1 meter enforcement by DEP.
New York County uses one of the most detailed numeric decibel schedules in US municipal law. NYC Noise Code Table I specifies limits by receiving property zone and time of day. Residential receiving districts have a 45 dBA maximum interior from 10 PM to 7 AM and 50 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM, measured with slow A-weighted response on a Type 1 precision sound level meter. Commercial noise sources cannot exceed 7 dBA above ambient at a residential boundary at night, or 10 dBA above ambient during the day. Construction equipment has separate numeric standards under 24-219 and 24-220 with specific limits per tool type (paving breaker 85 dBA at 50 feet, for example). For motor vehicles, 24-236 limits non emergency vehicle horns, car alarms that sound more than 3 minutes, and modified exhaust systems. DEP officers must use calibrated Type 1 meters and record ambient background before issuing a summons. Anyone challenging a citation at OATH can subpoena calibration records. Fines range from 75 dollars for residential plainly audible violations to 8,000 dollars for repeat commercial decibel exceedances.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
New York, NY
NYC bans commercial vehicles on residential streets 9 PM-5 AM and caps any commercial-vehicle parking at 3 hours per block (NYC Admin Code §19-170). 'Commerc...
New York, NY
In NYC residence districts, Zoning Resolution §23-44 limits fences in front yards to 4 feet above adjoining grade and permits walls up to 8 feet (not roofed ...
New York, NY
Section 161.05 of the New York City Health Code requires every dog in any public place, or in any open or unfenced area abutting a public place, to be effect...
New York, NY
All consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City, including sparkling devices that are legal in much of New York State. NYC Fire Code Section FC 5601.3.2 ...
New York, NY
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on private property. Landmark Preservation Commiss...
New York, NY
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflatables in a sidewalk or right-of-way require a DOT permit under NYC Admin Co...
See how New York'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.