The Resolution Path
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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Buffalo, NY
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Noise is considered excessive or unreasonable if it exceeds ambient noise by five decibels or more in any octave band. Sound projecting from one use district into another with a lower noise-level limit shall not exceed the limits of the district into which it is projected."
AI Executive Summary
Buffalo, NY, via City Code Chapter 293, prohibits unreasonable noise that disturbs peace and comfort. Quiet hours are generally 9 PM to 7 AM on weekdays, extending to 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Noise exceeding ambient levels by 5 decibels is deemed excessive. Violations can result in fines up to $1,500 or 15 days imprisonment.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction work, building, excavating, hoisting, grading, demolishing, dredging, or pneumatic hammering is prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in residential zones if it causes disturbing sound, except for emergency public service utility work.
Amplified Sound
The use of any sound-reproduction device outside a structure in residential or commercial areas is unlawful if it annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of a reasonable person, unless it is a public performance conducted with a special permit granted by the City.
Animals
Keeping any animal, bird, or fowl which emanates frequent or extended noise that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, and repose of a reasonable person of normal sensitivities is generally prohibited under the 'unreasonable noise' definition.
Vehicles
The sounding of any horn, security alarm, or other auditory signaling device in any vehicle, vessel, engine, machine, or stationary boiler for longer than five minutes (except as required by law or for warning signals during use) is prohibited. Operating a vehicle without an adequate muffler or exhaust system to prevent unreasonable noise is also a violation.
Lawn Maintenance
The use and operation of any lawn maintenance device, including mowers, edgers, trimmers, and power-driven hedge shears, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that causes sound which annoys or disturbs a reasonable person in a residential real property zone is prohibited.
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