Queens County Quiet Hours Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

New York City's Noise Code, codified in Title 24, Chapter 2 of the NYC Administrative Code, applies uniformly across all five boroughs including Queens. Section 24-218 establishes the general prohibition: no person shall make, continue, or cause or permit to be made or continued any unreasonable noise. The code uses a relative standard rather than fixed decibel limits for most noise sources.

During nighttime hours (10 PM to 7 AM), any non-impulsive sound attributable to a source that measures 7 dB(A) or more above the ambient sound level — measured at any point within a receiving property or at a distance of 15 feet or more from the source on a public right-of-way — is considered unreasonable noise. During daytime hours (7 AM to 10 PM), the threshold rises to 10 dB(A) above ambient. Impulsive sounds (sudden, sharp noises) face a stricter standard of 15 dB(A) above ambient at all times.

Queens residents can file noise complaints through NYC 311 by calling 311, visiting the 311 website, or using the NYC311 app. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the primary enforcement agency for noise violations, though the NYPD also responds to noise complaints. DEP inspectors use calibrated sound level meters to measure noise levels and can issue Notices of Violation on the spot.

The Noise Code also contains specific provisions for commercial music (Section 24-231), circulation devices like HVAC units (Section 24-227), and motor vehicles (Sections 24-233 through 24-237). Commercial music may not exceed 42 dB(A) as measured inside a receiving residential dwelling unit.