Buffalo, NY Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Buffalo, 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 hours (weekdays)
- 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Daytime hours (Fri & Sat)
- 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Maximum fine
- $1,500 per offense
- Maximum imprisonment
- 15 days per offense
- Standard
- Reasonable person of normal sensitivities
Summary
Buffalo defines 'day' as 7 a.m.–9 p.m. (until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) and prohibits all unreasonable noise at any hour. Any noise that annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities violates the ordinance.
DAY: The hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., except Fridays and Saturdays, when the evening hours shall be 11:00 p.m.
§ 293-3. Unreasonable noise prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue, cause to be made or permit to be made any unreasonable noise within the geographical boundaries of the City of Buffalo or within those areas over which the City has jurisdiction. The determination as to the existence of unreasonable noise may be established either by the specific acts considered to be unreasonable noise enumerated within § 293-4 or by the measurements exceeding the limitations set forth in § 293-5.
§ 293-7. Penalty for offenses. Any person violating the provisions of this chapter may be liable for penalties as prescribed in Chapter 137, Article I, of this Code and § 1-15 of the City Charter and Code which states: 'Every violation of any of the Code of the City of Buffalo shall be punishable by a fine or penalty of not more than $1,500 or by imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, for each offense...'
Full Breakdown
The ordinance does not simply restrict noise to daytime hours: it prohibits unreasonable noise around the clock. The 'day' definition is relevant because nighttime noise during commercial-area activities is treated more strictly. Violations can be established either by the specific acts listed in § 293-4 or by decibel measurements exceeding the limits in § 293-5. Police may arrest without a warrant for observed violations.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $1,500 or imprisonment up to 15 days per offense; each day is a separate offense. Officers may arrest without a warrant for observed violations under CPL § 140.10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there quiet hours when no noise is allowed?
Does the 11 p.m. cutoff on Fridays apply to residents?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
How Buffalo compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview
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