Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Utica, NY Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Quiet hours in Utica, NY, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.

Key Facts

Weekday night hours
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Weekend night hours
10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Residential night limit
50 db(A)
Residential day limit
55 db(A)
Code section
Sec. 2-15-63(b)

Summary

Utica's noise code sets stricter nighttime sound limits from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekends. In residential zones the limit drops to 50 db(A) at night versus 55 db(A) by day.

A noise measured or registered as provided in this division ... at a level which is equal to or in excess of the db(A) established for the time period and zones listed in this section is declared to be excessive and unusually loud and is unlawful. Residential: 55 day / 50 night.

Source: Utica City Code Chapter 2-19 – NoiseView official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 2-15, Division 2 of the City Code defines "nighttime hours" as 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. weekdays and 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. weekends. During these hours the permissible A-weighted sound level measured at the receiving property line is lower for every zone. Any noise equal to or above the db(A) limit for the time period and zone is declared excessive, unusually loud and unlawful. General annoyance-type noise can also be cited without a meter under Section 2-15-57.

Violations & Fines

Prosecuted like any other codified-ordinance violation (Sec. 2-15-59); noise may also be abated as a public nuisance by court injunction under Sec. 2-15-60.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are weekend quiet hours different?
Yes. Nighttime protection extends until 8:00 a.m. on weekends, an hour later than the 7:00 a.m. weekday cutoff, giving residents extra morning quiet.
Can police cite noise without a decibel meter?
Yes. Section 2-15-57 lets officers cite excessive or unreasonable noise "as heard without measurement," so a meter reading is not always required.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Utica

All Utica rules

How Utica compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·New York rules heatmap·Compare Utica to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview

Get notified when Quiet Hours in Utica, NY changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.