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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Rochester, 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: 22:00-08:00 (unlawful if noise is audible beyond the property line)
Weekends/holidays: 22:00-08:00
Construction weekdays: 07:00-22:00 (construction activities prohibited 22:00-07:00 unless exempt or with a variance)
Construction weekends: 07:00-22:00 (same as weekdays; variance possible)
Rochester treats noise as excessive if it is audible beyond the property line 22:00-08:00, and by day if audible at 50 ft beyond the line. Construction noise is barred 22:00-07:00. See City Code Ch. 75 (Noise).
Residential quiet hours
22:00-08:00 (unlawful if noise is audible beyond the property line)
Weekends & holidays: 22:00-08:00
Decibel limits
Qualitative limits enforced
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-22:00 (construction activities prohibited 22:00-07:00 unless exempt or with a variance)
Weekends: 07:00-22:00 (same as weekdays; variance possible)
Lawn equipment
08:00-sunset (lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and similar equipment)
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Unlawful if audible beyond the property line 22:00-08:00; from 08:00-22:00 if audible 50 ft or more beyond the property line. Also unlawful if audible 50 ft or more from the source in any public place.
Typical fines
Penalties enforced under City Code Ch. 75 Section 75-16 and general penalty provisions; the chapter does not list a fixed dollar schedule.
Escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via 311 (City of Rochester) or Police non-emergency for active disturbances. 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.cityofrochester.gov/departments/emergency-communications-department/311-click-or-call-connect or call 311 (City of Rochester) or Police non-emergency for active disturbances. 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 neighbor - Rochester treats noise as excessive if it is audible past the property line after 10 p.m. Last night around {{time}} it was carrying into our place. Could you keep it down during quiet hours (10 p.m.-8 a.m.)? Thanks!
Landlord / property manager
Hello - We are experiencing noise that appears to violate Rochester City Code Ch. 75 (audible past the property line during 10 p.m.-8 a.m.). Could you please remind the tenant and help resolve this? I can share a short log and recordings if helpful.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: Rochester City Code - Chapter 75: Noise
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- When reporting, note whether the sound is audible past your property line or 50 ft from the source.
- For construction before 07:00 or after 22:00, include the contractor or site signage and dates and times.
- Use 311 for non-emergency noise; call police only for active party or disturbance situations.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.