Noise — Commercial Establishment Music or Amplified Sound

NYC Admin Code §24-231 (commercial music) limits music from a business to 42 dB(A) inside a nearby home, or 6 dB(C) over the background sound when the background is over 62 dB(C). Bars, restaurants and stores with outdoor speakers or open doors are common sources of these complaints.

• speakers or amplifiers pointed onto the sidewalk from a bar or restaurant
• open storefront doors with music clearly audible from across the street
• outdoor dining area with amplified music disturbing the sidewalk

1. Note date, time, and duration — DEP uses logs for pattern enforcement.
2. If safe, capture video showing source (construction site, bar speakers, vehicle).
3. File at 311 under Noise; specify commercial, construction, or vehicle.
4. For after-hours construction, also note whether a variance permit is posted.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DEP.

DEP civil penalties can reach thousands of dollars for repeat commercial and construction noise. NYPD may respond to late-night party complaints.

DEP inspectors may take sound readings. Construction noise outside hours triggers DOB variance checks. Repeat locations enter DEP enforcement tracking.

• Noise complaints