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Step 1 of 3Evanston, IL
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Construction noise exceeding 80 decibels (measured from the property line) is prohibited between 6:00 PM and 7:00 AM."
AI Executive Summary
Evanston, IL noise ordinances, primarily City Code 9-5-20, prohibit loud, unnecessary, or unusual noises disturbing the peace. Restrictions cover amplified sound, vehicle noise, and construction activities, aiming to maintain public tranquility. General quiet hours are 11 PM to 7 AM, with specific rules for various noise sources and potential fines ranging from $100 to $500.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction work is permitted between 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Loud activities like jackhammering and sandblasting are prohibited between 6:00 PM - 7:00 AM on weekdays, 6:00 PM Friday - 8:00 AM Saturday, and 5:00 PM Saturday - 7:00 AM Monday (Sundays) unless special permission is granted. No construction is permitted on Sundays.
Amplified Sound
Loudspeakers, amplifiers, and sound systems must be turned off between 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM on weekdays and 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM on weekends. Outdoor events with loudspeakers require a permit. Amplified music on public ways is also prohibited.
Animals
Dogs and other animals should not make loud noises for long periods, such as constant barking, that disturb the peace.
Vehicles
All cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats must have a working muffler. Vehicles making loud grinding, rattling, or disturbing sounds must be fixed. Loud noise during loading/unloading from vehicles is not allowed. Car alarms should not sound for more than 4 minutes. Honking is for safety only. Playing music too loud in a car is illegal if audible from 75 feet away.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Evanston protect residents from noise?
Qualitative standard
Extensive coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Evanston, IL?
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Evanston's quiet hours: Generally, loud public disturbances are prohibited between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Amplified sound has specific quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM on weekdays and 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM on weekends. Yelling and shouting are also prohibited between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
How do I file a noise complaint in Evanston?
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Call the Evanston police non-emergency line at 847-866-5000. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at 847-448-4311. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Evanston?
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Evanston's noise violation penalties: Fines for loud music from vehicles range from $100 to $500. Violations of disturbing the peace can result in fines of at least $500, and repeat violations have higher fines. Some violations can lead to arrest and charges as a Class A Misdemeanor or even a Class 4 Felony if resulting in great bodily harm or death.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Evanston?
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Evanston's rules: Dogs and other animals should not make loud noises for long periods, such as constant barking, that disturb the peace.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at Not specified (handled via 311 or non-emergency police) or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Evanston?
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Evanston's construction noise rules: Construction work is permitted between 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Loud activities like jackhammering and sandblasting are prohibited between 6:00 PM - 7:00 AM on weekdays, 6:00 PM Friday - 8:00 AM Saturday, and 5:00 PM Saturday - 7:00 AM Monday (Sundays) unless special permission is granted. No construction is permitted on Sundays.. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.
Are there rules about loud music in Evanston?
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Yes. Evanston's ordinance: Loudspeakers, amplifiers, and sound systems must be turned off between 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM on weekdays and 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM on weekends. Outdoor events with loudspeakers require a permit. Amplified music on public ways is also prohibited.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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