Elgin, IL Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Elgin, IL?
| Regulation | Details for Elgin, IL |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 847-289-2700 |
Generally, nighttime hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Landscaping power equipment has specific quiet hours: 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Mon-Fri), 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM (Sat), and 8:00 PM to 9:00 AM (Sun/Holidays).
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Elgin, IL Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Elgin, IL?
Elgin, IL noise ordinances, specifically Chapter 10.30 NOISE, prohibit excessive and annoying sounds. Key restrictions include limitations on amplified sound from residential properties (heard 75 feet at night, 150 feet during day), specific operating hours for landscaping power equipment, and decibel limits for sounds emitted from industrial or commercial properties to residential areas. Violations can lead to fines up to $750 per occurrence.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified for noise originating within residential property, but 61 dBA (non-impulsive) / 56 dBA (impulsive) when receiving from industrial property, and 55 dBA (non-impulsive) / 50 dBA (impulsive) when receiving from commercial property. | Not specified for noise originating within residential property, but 51 dBA (non-impulsive) / 46 dBA (impulsive) when receiving from industrial property. |
| Commercial | Not specified for noise originating within commercial property or receiving from other commercial. Limits apply when emitting to residential property: 55 dBA (non-impulsive) / 50 dBA (impulsive). | Not explicitly specified for noise emitted from commercial to residential properties in the provided document, beyond general 'nighttime hours' definitions. |
Note: Decibel limits are A-weighted (dBA) and apply to sound emissions from industrial or commercial properties to receiving residential properties. Measurements are taken from within the receiving property, no less than 25 feet from the source property line.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
The general noise limitations apply. No specific construction hours are detailed beyond general 'daytime hours' (7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.) and 'nighttime hours' (10:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.). Emergency work is exempt.
- Amplified Sound:
No sound amplification device on residential property can be heard 75 feet or more from the property line during nighttime hours (10 PM - 7 AM), or 150 feet or more during daytime hours (7 AM - 10 PM). For general amplified sound equipment, guidelines suggest operation only Sundays through Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with sound not amplified more than 75 feet from the device.
- Animals:
The ordinance generally prohibits excessive and annoying sounds, specifically mentioning 'dogs barking'.
- Vehicles:
Prohibitions include loud music from a motor vehicle and unnecessary noise from a vehicle.
- Landscaping Power Equipment:
Operation on or within 50 feet of residential property is restricted before 7:00 A.M. and after 8:00 P.M. on Mondays through Fridays; before 8:00 A.M. and after 8:00 P.M. on Saturdays; and before 9:00 A.M. and after 8:00 P.M. on Sundays and legal holidays. Snowblowers are excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elgin, IL Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Elgin, IL?
Generally, nighttime hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Landscaping power equipment has specific quiet hours: 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Mon-Fri), 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM (Sat), and 8:00 PM to 9:00 AM (Sun/Holidays).. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Elgin, IL?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified for noise originating within residential property, but 61 dBA (non-impulsive) / 56 dBA (impulsive) when receiving from industrial property, and 55 dBA (non-impulsive) / 50 dBA (impulsive) when receiving from commercial property. during the day and Not specified for noise originating within residential property, but 51 dBA (non-impulsive) / 46 dBA (impulsive) when receiving from industrial property. at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Elgin, IL?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Elgin, IL police non-emergency line at 847-289-2700. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 311 or 847-931-6001 (outside Elgin).