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SidewalkSnitch / Rulebook / Noise / DEP-NOI-007

Noise — Alarm Sounding Too Long (Building 15 Min, Car 3 Min)

Regulation

Noise · NYPD / NYC DEP · NYC Admin Code §24-238

Noise — Alarm Sounding Too Long (Building 15 Min, Car 3 Min) is enforced by NYPD / NYC DEP under NYC Admin Code §24-238. Severity default: Medium.

The regulation

NYC Admin Code §24-238: a building alarm must stop within 15 minutes, and a car alarm within 3 minutes. Police can disconnect an alarm (§24-239), and a car with an alarm that keeps sounding can be removed (§24-240).

What to photograph

  • building alarm audible from street for extended period
  • car alarm sounding repeatedly on residential block
  • store security alarm left ringing with no response

How to file a complaint

  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: NYPD / NYC DEP.

Penalties & fines

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

What happens after you file

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

This rule is in our public reference corpus for SEO and training. In-app classification is not enabled yet — file via 311 using the steps above.

FAQ

Can I file anonymously?

311 requires contact information for follow-up. Your identity is not shared with the violator. SidewalkSnitch requires phone verification for filings.

Does SidewalkSnitch submit this to 311 automatically?

We prepare the text. You file it on 311. Nothing goes to 311 unless you send it.

More Noise rules · ← All regulations