Buffalo, NY Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Buffalo, NY?
| Regulation | Details for Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 9PM-7AM (weekdays), 11PM-7AM (weekends) |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 311 or (716) 853-2222 |
7 AM - 9 PM (Sunday-Thursday), 7 AM - 11 PM (Friday-Saturday) are considered 'Day' hours; the remaining hours are quiet hours. Construction and lawn maintenance are restricted between 9 PM and 7 AM daily in residential zones.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Buffalo, NY Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Buffalo, NY?
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.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified | Not specified |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: 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.
Specific 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buffalo, NY Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Buffalo, NY?
7 AM - 9 PM (Sunday-Thursday), 7 AM - 11 PM (Friday-Saturday) are considered 'Day' hours; the remaining hours are quiet hours. Construction and lawn maintenance are restricted between 9 PM and 7 AM daily in residential zones.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Buffalo, NY?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified during the day and Not specified 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 Buffalo, NY?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Buffalo, NY police non-emergency line at 311 or (716) 853-2222. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (716) 851-4949.