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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Buffalo, New York
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
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Default quiet hours: 21:00-07:00 Sunday-Thursday; 23:00-07:00 Friday-Saturday (per the ‘Day’ definition in §293-2). Unreasonable noise is prohibited at all times.
Weekends/holidays: 23:00-07:00 (Friday-Saturday nights).
Construction weekdays: 07:00-21:00 allowed; 21:00-07:00 prohibited in residential areas without a special permit.
Construction weekends: 07:00-21:00 allowed; same special-permit process applies for 21:00-07:00.
Buffalo’s Chapter 293 — Noise prohibits unreasonable noise and uses ambient-based limits. Construction that disturbs residential areas is prohibited 9:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. without a special permit. ‘Day’ is defined as 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (to 11:00 p.m. on Fri-Sat). See the full code on eCode360 and file complaints via Buffalo 311 (Excessive Noise).
Residential quiet hours
21:00-07:00 Sunday-Thursday; 23:00-07:00 Friday-Saturday (per the ‘Day’ definition in §293-2). Unreasonable noise is prohibited at all times.
Weekends & holidays: 23:00-07:00 (Friday-Saturday nights).
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-21:00 allowed; 21:00-07:00 prohibited in residential areas without a special permit.
Weekends: 07:00-21:00 allowed; same special-permit process applies for 21:00-07:00.
Lawn equipment
Lawn maintenance devices that annoy or disturb are prohibited 21:00-07:00 in residential areas.
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Outdoor sound-reproduction devices that annoy or disturb are prohibited at any time in residential areas; indoor amplified sound is a violation if audible more than 100 ft beyond the property line or during night hours in commercial areas.
Typical fines
Up to $1,500 and/or up to 15 days' imprisonment per offense; each day is a separate offense.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via Buffalo 311 (phone, web, or app).. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://www.buffalony.gov/1668/BUFFALO311-SELF-SERVICE-PORTAL/request-intake?type-code=a0o82000000YaR5AAK or call Buffalo 311 (phone, web, or app).. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi — Buffalo treats unreasonable noise as a violation. Quiet periods generally start at 9 p.m. (11 p.m. Fri-Sat). Last night the sound carried outside and into nearby homes. Could you keep volumes down during those hours? Thank you.
Landlord / property manager
Hello, we’re experiencing recurring noise from [unit/address]. Under Buffalo Code Ch. 293, unreasonable noise is prohibited, construction is limited after 9 p.m., and indoor amplified sound that projects outside (>100 ft) is citable. Please remind tenants or contractors; I can share a dated log and recordings.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: City of Buffalo Code — Chapter 293: Noise
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- Note whether the noise is outdoors or projected outside from indoors; for indoor amplified music, estimate if it is audible beyond roughly 100 ft from the property boundary.
- For construction after 21:00, ask whether a special permit exists (issued by Public Works) and include the site address and contractor in your report.
- Buffalo 311 has an “Excessive Noise” request—attach short clips and your incident log for repeat cases.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.