November 24, 2025

NYC Noise’ Lets New Yorkers Measure, Classify and Track Decibel Levels and Noise Types

Real-Time Data Will Help Identify Hotspots and Guide Targeted Enforcement

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced the release of NYC Noise, a new, innovative mobile application that will help both residents and DEP gain a deeper understanding of the city’s noise. Available for free on iPhone and Android, the app enables users to record decibel levels, classify noise types, and visualize noise levels in their surroundings while providing valuable data to DEP. Using the app, New Yorkers can document the time, date, location, and source of a noise by taking a simple five-second reading. Results appear in both map and table formats, showing average and maximum decibel levels along with user notes on noise type—such as construction, traffic, or music. By allowing New Yorkers to measure and track noise in their neighborhood, DEP can better analyze citywide noise patterns. This data will help DEP identify hotspots and guide targeted enforcement efforts.

“Noise is one of the most common quality-of-life issues New Yorkers face, and this new tool will help us better understand when and where those disturbances occur,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “I want to thank our teams in the bureaus of Environmental Compliance and Business Information Technology for their work in developing NYC Noise, which will help our inspectors target enforcement more precisely while empowering the public to participate in creating a quieter city.”

Noise is the top source of 311 complaints citywide, and DEP is responsible for enforcing New York City’s Air and Noise Code. However, traditional complaints often lack precise data on decibel levels and timing, making enforcement more challenging. The data entered by users will not be used for specific enforcement actions, and the noise itself will not be recorded, just the decibel level. However, the metrics captured by the app will help fill key data gaps—showing how loud the noise is, when it occurs, and what type it is. This data-driven approach will help DEP deploy inspectors more efficiently and focus enforcement efforts where and when they are needed most. For example, if user inputs show that jackhammering typically occurs at a certain location between 8 and 10 a.m., DEP can schedule inspections during that window.

Noise types can be classified as alarms, construction work, dog/animal noise, HVAC/fan noise, loud music, sirens, traffic (cars, buses), or horns. Users can also review their noise history log, which displays the average and maximum decibel levels, date, duration, location, and noise type for each entry. As more users record noise data, DEP will eventually compile the information into a citywide noise map—allowing the agency to identify hotspots, trends by time of day, day of the week, season, and the types of noise most common in certain neighborhoods.

The NYC Noise app will be available for download from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in mid-November.

About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection

DEP protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP also manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X.