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The Resolution Path
Step 1 of 3Yonkers, NY
Noise Ordinance Overview
You’ve located the ordinance. Now, compare your situation against the legal thresholds to build your case.
Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"A sound plainly audible at 100 feet from its source is prima facie evidence of noise disturbance. For sound reproduction systems, the dBA limits in § 66-5 apply."
AI Executive Summary
Yonkers, NY noise ordinances, outlined in City Code Chapter 66, generally prohibit noise disturbances. Recent amendments (November 2023) significantly raised decibel limits, now allowing residential daytime noise up to 85 dBA (7AM-10PM) and nighttime noise up to 65 dBA (10PM-7AM). Construction is restricted during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Operating tools or equipment for construction, repair, demolition, or excavation is prohibited between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day, or at any time on weekends or legal holidays, except in emergencies.
Amplified Sound
Operating sound-reproduction systems in a manner that creates a noise disturbance for anyone other than the operator is prohibited. Using or operating loudspeakers or public-address systems creating a noise disturbance across a residential property line is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. the following day. No sound-amplifying systems at private or community swimming pools causing undue noise or nuisance to neighbors, with closing no later than 9:00 p.m. weekdays and 10:00 p.m. weekends/holidays.
Animals
Owning, possessing, or harboring any animal or bird that frequently or for continued duration makes or creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line. A dog barking continually for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes creates a noise disturbance.
Vehicles
Operation of an unmuffled vehicle or one equipped with straight pipes is a violation. Operating a car radio or stereo so that the sound produced is plainly audible at 25 or more feet from the vehicle is prohibited.
Domestic Power Tools
Sounds from domestic power tools, lawn mowers, and garden equipment are exempt when operated between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., provided they produce less than 85 dBA at or near any residential property line. However, these sounds may not exceed 70 dBA when measured at the property line of an affected person for a duration exceeding 15 minutes continuously or 30 minutes intermittently in any single day, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, or between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on weekends or legal holidays.
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