Noise Code

The Residential Noise Control Guidance Sheet provides information for New York City residents seeking relief from city noise. If you are a homeowner or tenant, use this guide to learn about noise control options, methods, products and services.

Download the Residential Noise Control Guidance Sheet

Commercial music is defined as any music coming from a commercial establishment like restaurants, hotels, or nightlife establishments. It includes live performances or recorded audio content. This guidance document assists establishments that play music with information on a range of acoustical products, vendors, and professional services available to help control sound and vibration in their establishments and buildings. When applied properly, these acoustical tools may be helpful in reducing sound and vibration, and in achieving compliance with the New York City Noise Code, rules and regulations.

• Download the Commercial Music Variance Application
• Download the Noise Control Guidance for Nightlife Industry
• Download the Instructions for Submitting Documentation to Apply for Zero Penalty
• Download the Commercial Music Zero Penalty Extension Form

Additionally, if you have a noise complaint related to a hospitality industry establishment or are an establishment that is experiencing consistent complaints from residents, the Mediating Establishment and Neighborhood Disputes (MEND) NYC initiative aims to resolve disputes over noise and other quality of life issues using professional mediation services. Learn more about MEND NYC.

Learn more about Construction Noise Rules Regulations & Forms.

These sheets provides guidance and example resources for noise control of building exterior and interior heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. HVAC equipment involves rotating machinery and air moving devices which generate noise to nearby noise sensitive locations or through a building’s interior. This is particularly true if the HVAC equipment is centrally located inside a building or on its roof as opposed to being in its basement.

• Download the Noise Control for Building Exterior HVAC Equipment Guidance Sheet
• Download the Noise Control for Building Interior HVAC Equipment Guidance Sheet

The requirements and standards to be a noise consulant are authorized by section 1043 of the Charter of the City of New York as well as section 24-231 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York.

• Download the Requirements and Standards to be a Noise Consultant Form
• Download the DEP-Approved Noise Consultant List

• View the Rules Concerning After Hours Noise Complaints
• Download the 2022 Local Law 53 Noise Report and Data
• Download the 2021 Local Law 53 Noise Report and Data

Noise emissions from loud vehicle mufflers can affect public health

Noise emissions from loud vehicle engines or mufflers, music and horns can impinge on the quality of life in New York City. Some noise is so loud that it can adversely affect public health by causing sleep deprivation and hearing loss. In recent years, there has been an uptick in the presence of loud engine and muffler noise. This has resulted in many vehicle noise complaints being filed at 311 by elected officials, communities, and individuals.

DEP’s Bureau of Environmental Compliance enforces the Noise Code, which prohibits excessive vehicle noise. Due to the transient nature of vehicle noise, inspectors in the field could only ticket a small percentage of the vehicles that were in violation. The Noise Camera Program was initiated to capture the identity of the vehicle while the noise is actually occurring, without an inspector onsite.

Each noise camera is equipped with a high-definition video camera and audio sensor array that are triggered by vehicles that exceed pre-defined noise limits. The angle and placement of the camera allow the license plate to be recorded, but prevent the interior of the vehicle, including the occupants, from being visible on the video.

Regulatory Background

The Noise Code is codified in Chapter 2 of Title 24 of the NYC Administrative Code. The Noise Code authorizes DEP to enforce provisions dictating limits on noise from vehicles. For vehicles with loud exhaust/mufflers these limits are laid out in §24-236 of the Administrative Code.

Penalties

Noise Code summonses are adjudicated at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings and if found in violation, penalties will result. The specific penalties for the violations captured by these noise cameras are:

• Section 23-236(e), muffler noise, has a minimum penalty of $800 and a maximum penalty of $2,625, including the default penalty.
• Section 24-237(a), non-emergency horn honking, has a minimum penalty of $350 and a maximum penalty of $3,000, including the default penalty.
• Section 24-233(b)(2), vehicle music, has a minimum penalty of $140 and a maximum penalty of $1,050, including the default penalty.
• Section 24-225, noise from compactor on refuse collection vehicles, has a minimum penalty of $700 and a maximum penalty of $4,200, including the default penalty.