New York Quiet Hours Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

Heavy Restrictions

Last verified: January 15, 2026|Source: NYC Department of Environmental Protection →

Key Facts

Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Nighttime Standard: Not plainly audible at 15 ft
Construction Hours: 7 AM – 6 PM weekdays (permit needed for other times)
Annual Complaints: 300,000+ via 311
Enforcement: NYC DEP + NYPD

The Short Version

New York City's noise code is one of the most detailed in the country. Nighttime quiet hours run from 10 PM to 7 AM. The city uses a "plainly audible" standard for many categories — if it can be heard 15 feet from the source during nighttime, it's a violation. The DEP handles most complaints through 311, and there's a dedicated noise inspection team. Construction has its own strict rules: no work before 7 AM or after 6 PM on weekdays without an after-hours variance, which costs $140 and isn't automatically approved. NYC gets over 300,000 noise complaints annually — more than any other type of 311 complaint.

Full Breakdown

New York City's noise code (NYC Administrative Code Title 24, Chapter 2) was modernized in 2007 and uses a combination of decibel limits and "plainly audible" standards depending on the noise source. For music and entertainment, the test is whether it's plainly audible at 15 feet from the source during nighttime hours.

The code is enforced jointly by the DEP's noise inspection team and the NYPD. In practice, acute nighttime complaints (parties, bars, car alarms) go to the police, while persistent issues (HVAC, construction, mechanical equipment) go to DEP. The 311 system routes complaints to the appropriate agency.

Construction is heavily regulated. Standard work can only happen Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM. Any work outside those hours requires an After-Hours Variance (AHV) from the DEP, which costs $140 per application and requires a noise mitigation plan. Emergency work is exempt. The city has gotten more aggressive about enforcing these limits, especially in residential neighborhoods where high-rise construction can drag on for years.

What Happens If You Violate This?

First offense for commercial noise is $8,000, jumping to $16,000 for a second offense within 2 years. Residential noise violations start lower at $350-$1,000 through NYPD summonses. Construction violations are among the steepest: $1,600-$16,000 per incident, with stop-work orders for egregious cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most common noise complaint in NYC?

Loud music and parties, followed by construction noise and barking dogs. The 311 system receives over 300,000 noise complaints annually, making it the single largest complaint category in the city.

Can construction happen on weekends in NYC?

Not without an After-Hours Variance from the DEP. Standard construction permits only cover Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM. Weekend and evening work requires a special permit with a noise mitigation plan.

My upstairs neighbor is incredibly loud — what are my rights?

You can call 311 to file a complaint. For apartment noise, your lease's quiet enjoyment clause may also give you leverage. Many NYC buildings have house rules that are stricter than the city code. Document the noise with timestamps and contact your landlord or management company.

How does New York compare?

See how New York's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.

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