WHAT IS LOCAL LAW 113?
Local Law 113 (the New York City Noise Code) was signed in 2005 by Mayor Bloomberg in order to reduce construction noise during nights and weekends, and set decibel (dB) level thresholds.
The new noise mitigation requirements were signed by Mayor de Blasio on January 18, 2018, and Intro.1653-B passed into Law. This is in response to the large increase in complaints over the last few years. The majority of complaints dealt with after-hours construction noise.
The goal of the Noise Code is to manage noise so that commercial, cultural, and manufacturing activities may continue at volumes that are less intrusive to residents. The Noise Code establishes policies and standards, and sets forth rules for enforcing noise regulations in New York City as described in Local Law 113. Businesses in the construction industry, commercial, cultural, and manufacturing establishments producing plainly audible sound above the sound of the immediate vicinity should become familiar with the Noise Code.
WHAT WILL INSPECTORS BE ABLE TO DO?
According to Intro 1653-B, inspectors will be allowed to take noise reading from the roadway and sidewalks, instead of from inside a complainant's apartment.
Inspectors can shut down loud equipment
WHAT CHANGES WILL BE ENFORCED?
You are allowed to conduct construction on your property between 7am and 6pm on weekdays. At all other times, including anytime on the weekends, you must apply for after-hours authorization. Any person or business doing construction in the city must develop a Construction Noise Mitigation Plan before the start of construction or renovation. You will need to check off that you have a Construction Noise Mitigation Plan in your Department of Buildings application for a construction permit.
WHAT WILL THE NEW SOUND LEVEL STANDARDS BE?
7dB(A) – inside residential property dwelling units, effective January 2020. This noise level is active for sites more than 200 feet from an affected residential property. 7dB(A) is equivalent to a pin drop
75dB(A) when measured outside the property line or on public-right-of-way 50 feet or greater from the source when the source is within 200 feet of the affected residential property beginning January 2020 (currently 80dB(A). 75dB(A) is equivalent to a shower sound or a toilet splash.
85dB(A) for street construction noise when measured outside the property line or on public-right-of-way 50 feet or greater from the source. 85dB(A) is equivalent to a passing diesel truck.
Construction sites produce a lot of noise, mainly from vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery, and from people shouting. Excessive noise is not only annoying and distracting, but can lead to hearing loss, high blood pressure, and extreme stress. Proper training can help to lessen the impact and protect your health. Enroll in an OSHA class to learn more about worker safety and personal protection equipment.
Read More on This Topic >> A GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY’S NOISE CODE : UNDERSTANDING THE MOST COMMON SOURCES OF NOISE IN THE CITY