What are the quiet hours in Ithaca, NY?

In Ithaca, NY, designated quiet hours are typically 10PM-7:30AM. During these times, noise must be kept to a minimum.

Who do I call for a noise complaint in Ithaca, NY?

For non-emergencies in Ithaca, NY, contact the police at 607-272-3245. For code violations, contact Code Enforcement at 607-274-6509 (Building Division).

Ithaca, NY Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]

When are quiet hours in Ithaca, NY?

Regulation	Details for Ithaca, NY
Quiet Hours	10PM-7:30AM
Weekends	See specific hours above
Enforcement	Police Non-Emergency: 607-272-3245

Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.

Who To Call (Non-Emergency)

607-272-3245 How to file a complaint →

Ithaca, NY Noise Rules

Verified 2026

What is the noise ordinance in Ithaca, NY?

Ithaca, NY noise ordinances, codified in Chapter 240, prohibit unreasonable noise to preserve public peace and welfare. Restrictions target continuous and impulsive sounds, amplified music, animal disturbances, and vehicle noise. Quiet hours generally apply from 10:00 PM to 7:30 AM, with specific regulations for construction and domestic tools. Permits are required for certain amplified sound uses.

Decibel Limit Comparison

Decibel limits for residential and commercial zones in Ithaca, NY
Zone Type	Day	Night
Residential	Not specified (refers to Table I in ordinance)	Not specified (refers to Table I in ordinance)
Commercial	Not specified (refers to Table I in ordinance)	Not specified (refers to Table I in ordinance)

Note: Impulsive sound is limited to a maximum sound pressure level exceeding 80 dBA at the real property line of the receiver. Noise from domestic power tools, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and agricultural equipment must produce less than 75 dBA at or within any real property line of a receiving residential property during permitted operating hours. The ordinance refers to 'Table I' for maximum permissible continuous sound levels, which is not provided in snippets.

Specific Restrictions

Construction:
General construction or repair work is unlawful if it creates unreasonable noise during 'nighttime hours' (10:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.), except for emergency work. Construction noise is generally not permitted prior to 7:30 AM. Domestic power tools and lawn/garden tools used outdoors are permitted between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekends and legal holidays, provided they produce less than 75 dBA at the property line.
Amplified Sound:
It is unlawful to operate radios, musical instruments, sound-amplifying equipment, or other sound-producing devices in a loud, annoying, or offensive manner that interferes with public comfort, repose, health, or safety within any building or at a distance of 25 feet or more from the source. A permit is required if amplified sound will be heard outside a building or vehicle between 10:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., or if using a public-address system outdoors. Vehicular music amplification is restricted if plainly audible at 25 feet between 10:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., or at 50 feet between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Animals:
Dogs are prohibited from engaging in unreasonable howling, barking, or other noise audible beyond the property line that disturbs or annoys persons of reasonable sensitivities. This includes continuous barking for more than three cumulative minutes in any sixty-minute period. Factors like proximity to residential property, time of day, duration, repetitiveness, volume, and complaints are considered.
Vehicles:
No person shall remove or render inoperative any noise control device on a motor vehicle. Motorcycles must be operated with mufflers complying with federal noise regulations. Operating a motor vehicle with an engine braking device engaged without a muffler in good working order is prohibited. Vehicular music amplification is restricted as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ithaca, NY Noise Rules

What are the designated quiet hours in Ithaca, NY?

10:00 PM to 7:30 AM for general unreasonable noise and amplified sound outdoors. Domestic power tools are restricted between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM on weekdays, and 8:00 PM and 9:00 AM on weekends/holidays.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.

How loud can I play music in Ithaca, NY?

Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified (refers to Table I in ordinance) during the day and Not specified (refers to Table I in ordinance) 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 Ithaca, NY?

For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Ithaca, NY police non-emergency line at 607-272-3245. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 607-274-6509 (Building Division).

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