Albany, NY Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Albany, NY, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Daytime window
- 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Nighttime window
- 8:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.
- First step
- Verbal or written warning
- Max fine (3rd+ offense)
- $1,000 per conviction
- Max jail term
- 15 days
Summary
Albany bans unreasonable, unnecessary or unusual noise citywide, with tighter standards overnight between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. than during the day, enforced under City Code Article V with fines up to $1,000 per violation.
It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause or permit to be made or continued any unreasonable, unnecessary or unusual noise, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of a reasonable person of normal sensitivities or to make, continue or cause to be made or continued, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., ... any noise which either annoys, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health or safety of a reasonable person of normal sensitivities.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 255-24 bars any unreasonable, unnecessary or unusual noise that disturbs a reasonable person's comfort, repose or peace, splitting the day into two windows: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and a stricter 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. period covering machines, trades, radios, phonographs, TVs and other sound devices, unless the noise is necessary to protect life or property or is part of a governmental function. Enforcement starts with a warning under § 255-34; a repeat violation within 30 days brings a fine of up to $250 for a first conviction, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or later, under § 255-35.
Violations & Fines
First offense after a warning: up to $250. Second conviction: up to $500. Third and later convictions: up to $1,000 each, plus up to 15 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Albany's quiet hours?
Do I get a warning before a ticket?
How much is the fine?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
How Albany compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview
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