Illinois sets uniform statewide decibel limits for stationary industrial and commercial noise sources through Pollution Control Board rules under the Environmental Protection Act.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5/24 and 5/25) prohibits emission of noise beyond the boundary of a person's property that unreasonably interferes with life or property. The Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) implements this through 35 Ill. Adm. Code Parts 900 and 901, which set octave-band sound pressure limits at receiving Class A (residential), B (commercial), and C (industrial) land. Daytime limits at residential property lines roughly correspond to 55-61 dBA and nighttime limits to 47-51 dBA depending on frequency. These statewide standards apply regardless of municipal noise ordinances, which can supplement but not authorize emissions the state prohibits.
Violations may result in IPCB enforcement actions, civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation plus $10,000 per day of continued violation under 415 ILCS 5/42, and injunctive relief sought by the Illinois Attorney General.
See how Urbana's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
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