Brooklyn, NY
Noise Code

General construction/demolition is permitted weekdays from 7 AM to 6 PM. Alterations or repairs to owner-occupied one or two-family dwellings may occur on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 AM and 4 PM, if the dwelling is more than 300 feet from a house of worship. After-hours and weekend work require special authorization and a noise mitigation plan. Construction equipment must be outfitted with noise-reducing mufflers and have portable street barriers.

Permits are required from local NYPD precincts for amplified sound devices. The use of sound devices for commercial and business advertising purposes is generally unlawful. Sound levels from bars/restaurants cannot exceed 42 decibels as measured in adjacent residences, or 7 decibels over the ambient street noise levels 15 feet or more from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM. Outdoor events with amplified music should not exceed 70 decibels.

Pet owners are responsible for limiting animal noises. Excessive animal noise warrants enforcement if it can be heard for 10 consecutive minutes between 7 AM and 10 PM, or 5 continuous minutes between 10 PM and 7 AM.

Excessive noise from vehicle mufflers or exhaust systems is prohibited; horns are only permitted as a warning of danger. Sound is too loud if clearly audible from 150 feet or more for vehicles under 10,000 lbs, 200 feet or more for vehicles over 10,000 lbs, or 200 feet from a motorcycle. Refuse collection vehicles have specific noise limits: maximum 80 dB at 35 feet, or 80 dB within 50 feet of residential property between 11 PM and 7 AM.